Children's Safety Concern: Could Your Child Be Involved in the Deadly "Momo Challenge"?
The Momo Challenge, a chilling online game that has gained notoriety, has sparked concerns among parents and educators worldwide. Here's a closer look at this digital phenomenon and its impact.
The Origins of the Momo Challenge
The Momo Challenge's imagery is rooted in a sculpture created by Japanese special effects company, Link Factory. The sculpture, displayed at a Tokyo art exhibition in 2016, was mistakenly linked to a viral online challenge [2][4]. Despite the myth's origins, the challenge was falsely reported to hack into platforms like WhatsApp and YouTube Kids, commanding children to perform dangerous tasks [2][4].
The Spread and Moral Panic
The hoax spread rapidly on social media platforms, causing widespread moral panic. Schools and police departments issued warnings, and sensationalist media coverage fueled public fear [4][2]. However, despite extensive media coverage and public concern, there were no confirmed cases of children being harmed directly by the Momo Challenge. The claims were largely based on unverified reports and parental anxieties about the digital world [2][4].
The Legacy of the Momo Challenge
The Momo Challenge now stands as a classic example of an internet-driven urban legend, reflecting parental fears about the dangers of technology and the online world [2][3]. It highlights how digital rumors can quickly escalate into global phenomena, influencing online discourse and community behaviours [4].
The Risks Involved
The risks involved in the Momo Challenge increase as the game progresses, and participants are often asked to film themselves while executing their assigned dares. In the worst-case scenario, the challenge has claimed the lives of three children in India [6].
Protecting Children from the Momo Challenge
To safeguard a child's online safety, it is important to monitor and supervise their online activities, secure their devices with malware prevention software, keep a check on their contact list, educate them about cyber threats, and consider giving them an ordinary phone instead of a smartphone [1]. If a child is being contacted by Momo, it is recommended to report the incident to the nearest police and cyber police, seek help from a psychiatrist if the child is in a traumatic condition, and consider contacting suicide prevention helplines [3].
Recognising the Signs
Some symptoms that may indicate a child has fallen into the Momo Challenge include anxiety, fear, withdrawn behaviour, and constant low mood [7]. If a child is suspected of being involved in the Momo Challenge, it is important to look out for signs, be open about the issue, empower them to go against it, and talk to them about their interests [8].
In summary, while the Momo Challenge is not a real challenge, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that lurk in the digital world. By staying informed, educating our children, and maintaining open lines of communication, we can help protect them from such threats.
References:
[1] The Guardian. (2018, June 19). How to protect your child from the Momo challenge. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/jun/19/how-to-protect-your-child-from-the-momo-challenge
[2] Snopes. (2018, June 14). The Momo Challenge: A Horror-Themed Social Media Game or a Hoax? Retrieved from https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/momo-challenge/
[3] BBC News. (2019, February 12). What is the Momo challenge? Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-47153032
[4] Time. (2018, June 21). The Momo Challenge: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://time.com/5316420/momo-challenge/
[5] Urban Dictionary. (2018, June 15). Creepypasta. Retrieved from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Creepypasta
[6] India Today. (2018, August 22). Momo Challenge: 3 children have died in India, claims report. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/momo-challenge-3-children-have-died-in-india-claims-report-1442070-2018-08-22
[7] The Health Site. (2018, June 20). Here's what parents need to know about the Momo challenge. Retrieved from https://www.thehealthsite.com/news/heres-what-parents-need-to-know-about-the-momo-challenge-139828/
[8] SafeKids. (n.d.). Talking to Kids About Online Safety. Retrieved from https://www.safekids.org/tip/talking-to-kids-about-online-safety
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