There have been a number of concerns which have been raised by parents and members of staff regarding a software programme called the Momo Challenge. This programme is being used to infiltrate popular computer games such as: Peppa Pig, Fortnite, You Tube videos and many others.
This programme turns a harmless and fun game into something quite sinister and harmful to children’s health and well-being. It is designed to activate after a prolonged period of time so that parents believe the game to be innocent but as the game progresses Momo begins to introduce mild commands and challenges which pressure children into behaving in certain ways. Over time this intensifies and can result in extreme harm including suggestions of suicide.
We are posting this to make all parents aware of the danger and to ask that all parents be extremely vigilant whilst their child is online.
In school, we will be holding an assembly to discuss this specific issue as well as our normal internet safety sessions. We would be grateful if parents could speak to their children to reinforce how to keep themselves safe online and encourage children to report anything inappropriate to a trusted adult.
For more information please view the National Online Safety Information Sheet: MOMO-Online-Safety-Guide-for-Parents-FEB-2019
