Momo Challenge and Kids

Creepy symbols, sinister challenges are given via the internet to young kids and teens. These challenges trap vulnerable teenagers and kids in a way where they are threatened to complete the task and in most cases, the result is suicide.

One such challenge has cropped up recently – the ‘Momo Challenge.’ Momo is a character who has very big round creepy eyes, that are bulging out; her face is very pale in color; she has black hair; and her smile stretches out from one cheek to another cheek. My kids were creeped out when they saw her picture.

Momo is disturbing because this challenge is popping up on small kids shows like Peppa pig, any kiddie shows or Fortnight. It is being circulated via Facebook, Whatsapp, Youtube and Youtube kids. Momo sends videos and messages directing users to attempt to finish tasks that are threatening and suicidal. To read more about it, go on www.nationalonlinesafety.com.

There has been few deaths in various countries like India, U.K. and U.S.A due to this Momo game, according to CNN article “Parents, please stop freaking out over the Momo Challenge.”

However, to a recent find, this Momo challenge is said to be an internet hoax. According to an article, “The bogus “Momo challenge” internet hoax, explained,” the challenge has been fueled by media reports and parent’s fears about their kids online activity. They also say ‘that the challenge has been elevated into a global phenomenon, not because of the stories of the victim, but by worried adults trying to protect them.’

Similarly, in 2016, there was the Blue Whale Suicide Game which targeted teenagers. This game spans over a 50 day period where each day users are given a task to complete. As each task is completed, the user is told to tattoo or take a knife and draw a blue whale on their wrist and at the end take their life. There has been numerous deaths linked to this game all over the world.

As creepy as all this games are, as a parent, it is our duty to educate our children. It is a given fact that technology is a tool that is both beneficial and harmful and can be used for good or misused.

At the end, it comes down to taking accountability of how much our kids are using technology and knowing what they are watching or doing.

Now, I am sure that none of us want to be that parent who is always on top of the kids head every single minute seeing what they are watching, but we could take proactive measures and teach our kids what to watch and what to not.

Young kids and teenager are at such a age where they are still learning to understand the world and how it works. They are at a delicate, vulnerable age and this is the advantage these challenges thrive on. These challenges depend on the fear that kids will have if they get caught.

Here are some steps we can take as parents:

1. Sit and talk with your kids – It was just on Friday, where my kids came home from school and asked me what is Momo Challenge. I googled it up for them and showed them what it is. I told them that at times on the internet there are very bad videos and if you happen to open them you should close it right away. If the video is asking you to do something, do no listen to the video. Come and tell me or your dad.
2. Tell them it’s not real – Especially, to the younger kids, you have to let them know it is not real. It is like a fiction character of a book or movie that someone made up. More importantly, this person can not come in real life and do anything bad to you.
3. Set up parental control – I am sure most of us have set up parental control, yet at times, this challengers can hack into the parental control. It is always good to keep the best security online I feel. I also feel, as a parent, regularly we should be going on our kids site seeing if anything new changes or development has been made just to assure ourselves that what our kids are watching is safe.
4. Peer Pressure – It is big specially amongst teenagers, but also present with children. If one person does not follow the other person than they may not be included in the group so as a result to be in the group, teens are pressured into doing things they do not like. It is very important to make your teenager realize to not succumb to peer pressure. If their friends are part of any challenge which harm someone’s life, they should come report it and stand up against it.

Biggest key is communicating regularly with your kids and having an environment where they can come and tell you without being afraid of being scolded. Even if they opened or watched any such video and they come tell you, be accepting of their mistake and let them know that it is ok, but to be careful next time.

This way be it Momo Challenge, Blue Whale Challenge, or any other challenges, it will not be able to succeed on the user’s fear of being caught. We will have made an environment where our kids will be safe and act wisely in such situations.