Momo Challenge Information

We want to alert you to the recent media hype around the Momo Challenge. There are lots of news reports about the challenge, many of which state that the challenge is a hoax and a viral urban legend. However, students are talking about it, and if searched for and viewed the Momo graphic could be disturbing to some. Reports state that the Momo Challenge is shared on social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube, targeting children. The challenge encourages users to add Momo to their contacts, then it proceeds to send them violent images and dares. Users are told not to tell anyone or Momo will harm their family members, the challenges become more graphic encouraging self-harm with the ultimate post telling them to take their own lives. With all the hype around this and for the ongoing safety of our students, we ask you to be vigilant when your child is using electronic devices or watching online videos. 

What you can do:

• Ask your child if he/she knows of the challenge; use this as an opportunity to have a conversation about safe technology usage.
• Explain that Momo is not real; the image is a sculpture created by an artist in Japan titled Mother Bird which has since been destroyed.
• Teach children that they should never respond to unidentified messages on social media or share personal information including photographs, phone numbers, or addresses on the internet.
• Children should report anything unusual or scary to a trusted adult.
• If you have concerns about what your child may be viewing or rumors he or she is hearing, please contact your Division Head or Angela Burch, school nurse, at aburch@tbcs.org or 425-898-1720 ext. 399.

Resources:

• Momo Challenge
• 13 Tips for Monitoring Kids' Social Media
• Safe Search Kids