Saudi Arabia's Public Attorney office is currently investigating the death of a 17-year-old girl who reportedly committed suicide in Bisha city.
On Sunday, the teen's body was found in their family home by her younger sister. A source close to the family blamed the online game PlayerUnknown's BattleGround (PUBG) for the girl's alleged suicide. The relative also said that the teen did not appear to be suffering from any physical or psychological illness and that she was never subjected to violence.
At the time of the incident, the deceased, her sister and the domestic worker were present at home. At some point, the younger sister walked into the room to check on her sibling. That's when she found the teen hanging from the ceiling.
The girl's parents believe the game (PUBG) she'd been playing online led to her alleged suicide. In a statement to press, the teen's father warned parents against the dangers of computer games and apps, saying they have a negative effect on young people. He also urged guardians to monitor what their children choose to play on their digital devices.
The father's warning is not new to the kingdom. Earlier this year, a Saudi social worker and family consultant Safaa Al Omair claimed that PUBG is dangerous and can lead people to become "introverted and violent."
News of the most recent case prompted a debate on Twitter; many refused to believe that PUBG could've led the teen to commit suicide.
"So you overlooked every motive that could make sense and blamed this on the game?"
"Enough is enough, every time someone commits suicide you blame it on this game"
"Instead of opening an investigation into why this poor girl committed suicide, you blame a game that has nothing to do with self-harm."
PUBG has previously sparked controversy in the kingdom
The case comes weeks after thousands debated whether PUBG should be banned in Saudi Arabia.
At the time, many said they believe the game should be banned in the country because it "can negatively affect teens and children." However, others argued against that narrative explaining that a ban would constitute a violation of personal freedoms.
The online game was banned in Jordan a while back
Earlier this month, Jordan's TelecommunicationsRegulatory Commission (TRC) blocked the online multiplayer battle royale PlayerUnknown's BattleGround (PUBG).
TRC officials cited the "negative social effects" of the game as one of the reasons behind the ban.
Though the game has had its critics, it continues to be a major hit in the Arab world.