How Do You Protect Your Children Online? The Latest Threat Or Hoax From The "Momo Challenge"

As an owner of a Digital Marketing Agency I have grown-up with technology, computers, social media and all things digital. Likewise, with two young children it was only natural that they would learn technology and the associated products like iPads from an early age, albeit both my daughters also love reading physical books, drawing and painting - all of which I am very proud of.

There's nothing better than turning to the last page of a book with a sense of completion and an increase in knowledge. That being said, because I work within the digital industry I also fully understand the dangers which we now face!

Earlier this month (Feb 2019) news spread of a hoax called the "Momo Challenge" by adults on Facebook and media outlets claiming that children were being enticed by an animated user named Momo to perform a series of dangerous tasks including violent attacks and suicide.

What is 'Momo'?

If you are not aware, Momo is a sinister ‘challenge’ that has been around for some time. It has more recently resurfaced and has come to the attention of schools and children across the world. Dubbed the ‘suicide killer game’, Momo has been heavily linked with apps such as Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and most recently (and most worryingly)… YouTube Kids.

Earlier this month, versions of the momo story went viral on social media. They attracted hundreds of thousands of shares and resulted in newspaper articles reporting the tale. According to the false story, children are contacted on WhatsApp by an account claiming to be momo. They are supposedly encouraged to save the character as a contact and then asked to carry out challenges as well as being told not to tell other members of their family.

Don't Panic! What should parents do?

The UK Safer Internet Centre told the Guardian that it was "fake news".

Several newspaper articles claim the momo challenge had been "linked" to the deaths of 130 teenagers in Russia. The reports had not been corroborated by the relevant authorities. Did you know - the image of momo is actually a photo of a sculpture by Japanese special-effects company Link Factory. According to pop-culture website Know Your Meme, it first gained attention in 2016!

Credit: FamilyGamerRadio

In the case of The "Momo Challenge" Police have suggested that rather than focusing on the specific momo meme, parents could use the opportunity to educate children about internet safety, as well as having an open conversation about what children are accessing.

"This is merely a current, attention-grabbing example of the minefield that is online communication for kids," wrote the Police Service of Northern Ireland, in a Facebook post.

As with my children, it was important not to cause unnecessary alarm so personally I find that sitting down with them, asking them if they have found anything difficult or distressing/upsetting is the best way of keeping open communication with them. I also spend time to ensure I understand what they are accessing and use security apps to ensure they can only use/access the apps and websites I define beforehand.

Parents should also be careful about sharing news articles with other adults that perpetuate the myth.

'Urban legend'

Fact-checking website Snopes warned that although the momo challenge was a hoax, the reports and warnings could still cause distress to children. Police in the UK have not reported any instances of children harming themselves due to the momo meme.

The charity Samaritans said it was "not aware of any verified evidence in this country or beyond" linking the momo meme to self-harm. The NSPCC also told the Guardian it had received more calls from newspapers than from concerned parents.

Staying Safe Online

It's important that children know that they should not be trying to contact strangers online, regardless of the method. Setting privacy systems on devices with your child is a great way to have this conversation and agree on automatic precautions.

Fostering an atmosphere of openness and transparency about online activity ensures that children can thrive. If you do notice them switching screens off their devices when approached or new numbers or email addresses on their devices it's worth checking in with them.

Where possible try to keep video games and YouTube watching, two major ways these stories circulate, in shared family spaces. In video games, you can also set-up restrictions on friends and accessing user generate content that may include Momo themed add ons.

YouTube has been marking videos including Momo content as being "identified by the YouTube community as inappropriate or offensive to some audiences" and that "viewer discretion is advised". As with my children, if you have Restricted Mode on for your child's account this content is not available to them.

Credit: National Online Safety @natonlinesafety

I hope you found this article useful, the information available online and the number of reports and media stories is vast. Hopefully these snippets and overview should help dispel any further myths and help to ensure your children remain safe online.

Scott Jones is the CEO of 123 Internet Group, a full service digital marketing agency with a head office in Milton Keynes and further locations in Northampton and London we support a national audience with web design and development, search engine marketing, social media management, hosting and email services. For more information about our services or advice on how to improve your online marketing activities please reach out and connect with us via our website or our social media channels.