Momo Challenge – What Parents Need to Know

Momo Challenge – What Parents Need to Know
Posted on 02/28/2019

On behalf of the Washington County Schools, we would like to take this opportunity to alert parents to a disturbing trend that has surfaced on social media targeting children and young adults. It’s called the “Momo Challenge.”

The “Momo Challenge” uses an avatar to encourage children to commit increasingly dangerous acts through social media such as Facebook and WhatsApp, as well as some video games. Often these messages come from unknown numbers and accounts. If children refuse, the avatar threatens to leak personal information, often leaves disturbing messages, and sends violent images.

Currently, there are no confirmed uses of this dangerous form of cyberbullying in our school. Our administration and staff work with students to teach good digital citizenship, we strongly encourage parents and guardians to do the same at home.

The following link is to New York State’s cyber safety resources for children. There is a wealth of information that would be useful in helping to promote cyber safety with your children.

https://its.ny.gov/keeping-kids-safe

If you have questions or concerns about your student’s online activities, please reach out to your child’s principal.