At least three New York schools have reportedly banned Squid Game costumes ahead of Halloween to avoid “possible violent messages associated with the costume,” citing its explicit nature and brutality.

The ‘South Korean‘ most watched Netflix series ‘Squid Game’ is all set to mark its entry in the International Emmys. Squid Game is a psychological survival story where 456 people are in debt and in desperate condition, putting them in a critical situation to win a cash prize of 45.6 billion.

The series has caught up a lot of attention around the world due to multiple factors. The themes in the show touch upon various subjects from human instincts, betrayal, the intimidating storytelling around the lure of capitalism, how far rich people would do anything to keep their status, and the most penultimate factor, willingness to accumulate materialistic wealth.

The popularity and hype among the Kpop fans and quick transition of K-drama to the Western market suggest it could be the next big thing for brands looking for the latest trends. The reactions by fans on Twitter and Reddit mark out their willingness to purchase any merchandise inspired by Squid Game for this year’s Halloween Party.

A surge in children imitating violent play and misbehaviour on the playground has been reported at the school. At least three New York schools have reportedly banned Squid Game costumes ahead of Halloween to avoid “possible violent messages associated with the costume,” citing its explicit nature and brutality.

According to The New York Times, Castle Park Elementary School in Dublin, Ireland, has officially prohibited students from dressing up as any character from the series. The events in the show are “in no way fit for younger kids,” said the school department.

Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about the show if they are aware of it and tell them that playing a version of the game or discussing it at school is improper.

Many people who planned to dress up as Squid Game characters may be disappointed, as CNN reports that costumes from the hit Netflix programme are the most popular internet searches this Halloween.