From:
Mr. Theodore Peters, Principal
December 14, 2018
The Caroline L. Reutter School would like to inform all parents and members of the school community about an online trend posing a threat to children, called the “Momo Challenge”.
This “online game” consists of a variety of self-harming dares which becomes increasing risky as the “game” progresses, ending with a suicide challenge. Although there is no knowledge of any of our students participating in the “Momo Challenge”, we felt that it was in the best interest to proactively advise parents of this current, dangerous online trend.
It has also advised parents and teachers to monitor a child's online and social media activity, look out for unusually secretive behavior, and install a good cyber/mobile parenting software.
This apart, parents have been urged to look out for common signs and symptoms of children
affected by the online games like:
Withdrawal from acquaintances
Persistent low mood
Unhappiness
Sudden outbursts of anger
Loss of interest
What is the “Momo Challenge Game”?
The game consists of a variety of self-harming dares which becomes increasingly risky as the game progresses and it finally ends with suicide challenge
It involves challenges that encourage teenager’s children or any other user to engage in a series of the violent act as challenges of the game
It also inspires teenagers, children, and any other user to add unknown contacts on WhatsApp by the name of Momo. Once the contact is added the image of terrifying a Japanese Momo doll with bulging eyes appears in the contact
The game controller that entices the player to perform a series of challenges
Players are threatened with violent images, audios, and videos if the player does not follow instructions.
As the holiday season rapidly approaches and children may have more screen time on electronic devices or receive them as gifts, it is an appropriate time to consider family guidelines for appropriate use. We ask that you consider age appropriateness for children’s use of technology, time spent on social media and overall reminders of family expectations for making good choices. Below are some sites that offer advice.
https://www.parenting.com/gallery/social-media-monitoring-kids?page=2
https://www.safesearchkids.com/
https://childmind.org/article/media-guidelines-for-kids-of-all-ages/