As Momo dangers are played down, experts analyse... Myths, risks and reality checks on viral threats
IT IS the latest in a worrying series of viral crazes that has been linked to self-harm and suicide – but how dangerous is the Momo challenge?
With her grotesque features, it is no wonder that children are scared of the haunting image that features in the game. And schools have issued warnings about it.
But yesterday, leading charities and MPs said there is “no confirmed evidence” that it poses a threat to children in Britain.
Here, experts outline the truth about Momo and what to do if your children come across it... What is the Momo challenge and who is the Momo character? It is effectively an online chain letter. Momo entices children to contact her via social media, by telling them to search for a number online.
Once they have sent the first message, they get replies, including challenges to commit self-harm or suicide, as well as grotesque images.
Internet Matters expert Andy Robertson said: “It’s arresting because of the disturbing image that represents the Momo FORUM Momo messages character.” The image is of an artwork called Mother Bird by Midori Hayashi, a Japanese doll artist not associated with the game.
Parenting author Liat Hughes Joshi said: “I find it scary looking at it and I am 45, so I completely understand that children are going to find it alarming.” Is it a myth or a real threat to children? Andy said: “The Momo challenge sounds alarming, particularly as children are attracted to the idea,but, in reality, the occurrences seem few and far between. There have been a number of reports about it being linked to suicides and self-harm. Currently, no evidence of direct harm caused by the game has been substantiated.
“Still, the image and the ghoulish story that accompanies it may well distress children and parents should be aware of its existence.
“Children will encounter the story in the playground but also in YouTube videos and user-created content in video games such as Minecraft and Roblox.”
Liat said of the game: “Most children won’t have seen this.” Have there been cases in the UK? There is currently nothing show to that the Momo challenge has led to in self-harm or suicide in the UK. Leader of the House of Commons Andrea Leadsom said yesterday: “The Momo challenge... is one the Government is extremely concerned about.
“Organisations including Samaritans, NSPCC and Safer Internet Centre have said there is no concerned evidence that the Momo phenomenon is posing a threat to British children.”
Elsewhere, it has been linked to the death of a girl of 12 in Argentina and a boy of nine in Brazil. YouTube said it had not received any evidence of videos showing or promoting the Momo challenge on its platform.
It said: “Content of this kind would be in violation of our policies and removed immediately.” Should I talk to my children about the craze? Liat and Andy both agree that unless your child has already seen the Momo challenge, it is best to have an honest chat with them about internet safety in general.
Liat said: “Momo is scary and worrying. But try not to mention the specifics and give general advice to your child. Otherwise, they’ll probably go online and search for it, so we’re just feeding the beast.
“You’re much better having a general conversation about online dangers and specifically about being asked or forced or blackmailed to do things by people outside of family and school.
“That’s a much better conversation to have than to focus on this one scare. It will blow over but there will be something else again like this in the future.”
Andy agrees that it is better not to bring your children’s attention to Momo. He said: “Instead of warning children about Momo specifically, use this as an opportunity to teach good practices online.
“This should start by ensuring that kids know not 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.
“Parents and carers should ensure there’s an atmosphere of openness and transparency about online activity. Keep an eye on device usage and if you notice a child switching screens on their devices when approached, or new numbers or email addresses on their devices, it’s worth checking.
“It’s also important to have video games and screens used in shared family areas, so you can see what kids are doing. This also means they can talk to you more easily about anything that upsets them.” What are schools doing about it? The National Online Safety group said it had heard from “hundreds of concerned schools and parents”.
Many British schools are posting warnings about the challenge online. But the experts say doing this could be fanning the flames.
Liat said: “I understand they want to show they are taking responsibility and being helpful to parents. But I do wonder whether it’s fuelling this phenomena and highlighting its profile.
“The fact is, very few children have seen this but the more we tell them, the more chance there is that they’re going to search for it.” ■■For help, see internetmatters.org.