The so-called Momo Challenge that uses a scary-looking avatar to communicate with children via smartphone messaging applications (i.e., WhatsApp), Facebook, YouTube, Minecraft, etc. is back in the news. According to reports, children are encouraged to contact "Momo" and then asked to post photos or video of themselves committing violent acts, including suicide. The Momo avatar blackmails children by telling them that she has damaging information on the players and will release it if they don't play the game.
Many recent reports are claiming this is "fake news" but according to the Washtenaw Area Council for Children these types of social media threats are real as they can spread fear and produces a form of cyberbullying.
The Washtenaw Area Council for Children offers these tips to share with your students:
- Never give in to any internet challenge via a game, social media or other popular websites
- Report all challenges to the website you are on and tell a parent or another trusted adult
- Report anyone who tries to get you to participate in an internet challenge
- Report anything that makes you feel threaten, afraid/uncomfortable to the website you are on
- Tell a parent or trusted adult about anything that makes you feel afraid, threatened/uncomfortable
- Do not accept friend requests or chat requests from people you do not know
- Never give out private and personal information on the internet
- Internet challenges prey on vulnerable people and can be harmful
- Do not be afraid to get help - it is not your fault
For more information on cyber security visit this link provided by WACC:
