The Momo Challenge

You may have heard about the ‘MoMo Suicide Game’, which is reported to use social media to encourage children to harm themselves. A lot of what is reported in the tabloids may be adding to the hysteria. There is currently very limited evidence of the game itself actually harming children. However, in line with all online safety advice, we would suggest that parents/carers:

§             Ensure they know what their children can access online

§             Ensure children understand the importance of not giving personal information to anyone they do not know

§             Tell their children no-one has the right to make them do anything they do not want to do

§             Use parental controls to keep children safe

Among the most common signs to watch out for include children who:

§             Become very secretive, especially about what they are doing online

§             Are spending a lot of time on the internet and social media

§             Are switching screens on their device when approached

§             Are withdrawn or angry after using the internet or sending text messages

§             Have lots of new phone numbers or email addresses on their devices