What Is ‘Senior Assassin' and Why Are Teens Playing It?

Yahoo

09-05-2025

Fact checked by Sarah ScottSenior Assassin, a water-tag game popular among high-school seniors, is raising safety concerns among school officials and police.
The game often involves ski masks and toy guns, which can be mistaken for real threats by bystanders or law enforcement.
Experts urge parents to talk openly with teens about the risks and set clear boundaries around participation.A popular high school game is prompting concern from school leaders and law enforcement officials around the country. The game, 'Senior Assassin,' typically involves students using water guns to 'tag' their targets.
Though usually played off school grounds, the game often extends to community areas, such as parks, restaurants, and neighborhoods. While rules vary by school or region, the basic premise is the same: each participant is assigned a target and must eliminate them—either by hand or by spraying them with water. The game continues until one player is remains and is declared the winner.
While there is little information on its origin, the game's reach has increased significantly since the early 2010s, possibly due, in part, to mentions in shows like iCarly and Gossip Girl. More recently, the game has spread via social media, where players post content encouraging others to join in.
Although the game is intended as an innocent, fun senior tradition, officials are worried it can put teens in harm's way. Police departments are issuing warnings and urging parents to talk with their kids about the potential dangers, while principals are sending letters home.
To improve their chances at winning, some students disguise themselves by wearing ski masks—headgear designed to conceal most of the face. Because ski masks have been banned from public spaces in cities like Philadelphia due to their association with criminal activity, seeing someone wear one in public may raise alarm.
Officials worry that bystanders unfamiliar with the game could mistake a player for a threat. One such incident occurred in Gurnee, Illinois, where an adult concealed carry permit holder believed a student was in danger. No one was hurt, but officials say the situation could have turned deadly.
There's also considerable risk connected to young people toting toys that can closely resemble actual guns, especially those with modifications. In recent years, police have fatally shot children after confusing toys for real firearms—including the widely reported case of 12-year-old Tamir Rice. More recently, in April 2024, a 15-year-old boy in Akron, Ohio, was shot in the wrist by a police officer who believed the teen's toy gun was real.
Though teens may see the game as harmless, helping them understand and be aware of the potential dangers of this type of play can open the floor to necessary dialogue.
'Create a safe space for your child to share their thoughts and experiences,' Britney Dent, a teen life coach and keynote speaker, tells Parents. Providing children with a comfortable and inviting environment can encourage them to speak freely. 'Find a calm moment when both you and your children are relaxed and can have a meaningful conversation without distractions,' Dent says.
Start by addressing specific dangers. "Sit down with your child and have an open, honest conversation about why displaying fake weapons is concerning,' Dent says. 'Use real-life stories or news articles to illustrate your point.'
Define what appropriate behaviors looks like in different situations, provide examples, and make sure your teen understands these expectations. 'Clearly communicate your expectations regarding participation in pranks and games,' Dent says. 'Let your child know what behavior is acceptable and what is not, and be prepared to enforce consequences if necessary.'
It's common for teens and young adults to struggle with abiding by rules. Dent suggests that these behaviors are made in an attempt to assert their independence.
'Understanding the reasons behind children's pushback against rules can help parents respond effectively and address underlying issues while still maintaining boundaries and expectations for behavior,' she says.
Again, open communication allows for free expression from both sides, even when your child may have an opposing viewpoint. Staying open-minded and receptive allows them to speak without fear of judgment.
'Acknowledge and validate your child's feelings, even if you don't agree with them,' Dent says. "Let them know their emotions are valid and that you understand where they're coming from.'
The 'senior assassin game' is not the first of its kind; there plenty of popular games that can lead to risky behaviors. Dent suggests that teaching your children about appropriate behaviors and discernment can prove beneficial in future circumstances. It can also help keep them safe.
'Parents teaching their children about the dangers of 'senior assassin' pranks is crucial for promoting safety and preventing potentially harmful or even tragic consequences within their community,' adds Dent. 'By raising awareness about the risks involved, parents can help their children make informed decisions and avoid participating in activities that could result in serious injury or legal consequences.'
Read the original article on Parents