The Momo Challenge involves a disfigured head attached to a bird’s body encouraging children to harm or kill themselves, and has infiltrated some popular digital platforms, such as YouTube Kids.
While these reports are alarming, we urge parents not to be panicked. Instead, parents should be aware of this viral trend so that they may have honest conversations with their child about safe and appropriate online activity. Below are some helpful tips to keep your child safe online.
*Bringing up the MoMo Challenge specifically may lead children to investigate it themselves. Instead, consider asking them whether they have encountered anything online that caused them to be worried or upset.
*If your child is aware of this trend, remind them that MoMo is not a real person, and cannot directly harm them.
*Remind children never to contact strangers online, regardless of the method.
*Tighten device settings and parental controls.
*Report and block any content that is harmful or disturbing.
*Supervise your child’s online activity. Limiting video games and YouTube use to shared family spaces. Keep an eye out for unknown phone numbers or email addresses.
Thank you for your vigilance in helping us keep our students safe.
From the Clinton School District
