The Netflix television series “Squid Game” is hugely popular, but Fayetteville-Manlius school officials want parents to know it has no place in schools as a Halloween costume or as a game at recess.
A letter sent to parents this week from principals at Mott Road, Enders Road and Fayetteville Elementary schools said “Squid Game” costumes do “not meet our school costume guidelines due to the potential violent message aligned with the costume. “
“Costumes must follow school guidelines in that no items that can be interpreted as a weapon should be brought to school: including toy swords, guns, light sabers and more,” the letter said.
In addition, costumes can’t be too gory or scary so they don’t scare younger students,’' the letter said.
“Squid Game,” a Korean series, started streaming in mid-September and has become the No. 1 Netflix show, attracting more than 142 million member households during its first four weeks.
In the show, children’s games such as “Red Light, Green Light” become deadly. Somewhat like “Hunger Games,” the show is violent and bloody. It features desperate people deeply in debt who play the deadly games to try to win cash.
Already, “Squid Game” Halloween costumes have become the top Internet search for costumes,according to CNN.The costumes are wildly popular everywhere, according to news reports.
Staff members at the F-M elementary schools also have observed some students at recess playing a version of “Squid Game,” F-M Superintendent Craig Tice said.
Tice said they want parents to be aware some younger students are talking about and mimicking aspects of the show at school. He said he hopes parents talk to their kids about it and reinforce this is not appropriate at school.
On social media, F-M parents expressed alarm that younger students are watching this show and want to wear a costume from the series. Most supported the school’s decision.
