Mum’s claim as schools raise concerns
BY NINA GLENCROSS A SCOTS mum has told how an internet suicide game popped up during a Peppa Pig video on YouTube.
Vicky McCombie shared a clip on Facebook of the moment she claims the creepy Momo challenge video appeared on her device halfway through the cartoon.
The mum of one from Fraserburgh branded it “terrifying”.
By last night, her post had attracted more than 40,000 comments and 36,000 shares by worried parents.
Schools were also warning parents that the Momo challenge may be making its way into videos on YouTube Kids.
The game is played via WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube and allegedly encourages children to harm themselves.
It features an avatar of a girl with long dark hair and big bug-like eyes.
Haslingden Primary School in Rossendale, Lancashire, yesterday posted a warning on its Facebook page about the video clips, which it said are appearing “on many social media sites and YouTube”.
The message added: “One of the videos starts innocently, like the start of a Peppa Pig episode for example, but quickly turns into an altered version with violence and offensive language.”
It said another clip encourages kids to “do dangerous tasks without telling their parents”.
Northcott School in Hull tweeted a warning, telling parents the video is appearing in games such as Fortnite and Peppa Pig.
National Online Safety said: “We’ve heard from hundreds of concerned schools and parents about the horrifying Momo challenge.”
Police in Northern Ireland said they were “liaising with other UK police services to try to identify the extent of the problem and to look for opportunities to deal with this issue”.
A spokeswoman for YouTube said: “Contrary to press reports, we have not received any evidence of videos showing or promoting the Momo challenge on YouTube.
“Content of this kind would be in violation of our policies and removed immediately.”