01/03/2019
“PNP ACG WARNS AGAINST PURPORTEDLY DEADLY ‘MOMO CHALLENGE’”
An online “challenge” reportedly “persuading” children to hurt and eventually kill themselves in the guise of children-friendly YouTube shows, online games, and a “chat mate” has alarmed parents from different countries.
The “Momo Challenge” first hit the news in July 2018 when it was noticed by a known YouTube user and eventually, a 12 year-old Argentinian girl was reported dead after having allegedly persuaded to do self-harm and take her own life by a grotesque-looking female figure through mobile messaging application “WhatsApp”.
However, authorities have yet to find a link between the trending “su***de game” and the unlikely death of the victim – same with the reported cases of “Momo Challenge” casualties in Brazil, Canada, Colombia, and Europe. Adding up to the skepticism of some experts, law enforcement and investigating bodies, and even parents themselves is the information debunking the hype on “Momo Challenge”.
The face of the “Momo Challenge” was found to be actually of a sculpture created by Link Factory, a Japanese special effects company. Reports say that unscrupulous individual/s behind the “Momo Challenge” only used the cropped image of the “Mother Bird” (the real name of the artwork) due to its disturbingly bizarre appearance.
Also, web security experts claim that the “Momo Challenge” is likely a case of “moral panic” and is being sensationalized through media reports and social media stories. It was even compared with the popular “Blue Whale Challenge” which is a "game" reportedly consisting of a series of tasks that are initially harmless before introducing elements of self-harm and requiring the player to commit su***de at the final challenge, as well as the “Bloody Mary Challenge” wherein children would scare themselves by saying “Bloody Mary” three times in front of a mirror.
Nevertheless, the PNP ACG appeals to parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s internet use and warns the public amid reports and social media posts about the “Momo Challenge”.
Furthermore, the National Online Safety, a group of online safety experts issues advice for parents, guardians, and teachers to help and protect youngsters from this purported “su***de game”:
1. Tell them it is not real. – Just like any urban legend or horror story, the concept can be quite frightening and distressing for young people;
2. Be present. – It’s important for you, as a parent or guardian, to be present while your children are online;
3. Talk regularly. – As well as monitoring your child’s activity, it’s important for you discuss it with them too;
4. Device settings and parental controls. – Ensure that you set up parental controls for your devices at home;
5. Peer pressure. – Trends and viral challenges can be tempting for children to take part in; no matter how dangerous or scary they seem;
6. Real or hoax. – As a parent it is natural to feel worried about certain things you see online that may be harmful to your child; and
7. Report and block. – We advise that you flag and report any material you deem to be inappropriate or harmful as soon as you come across it. You should also block the account/content to prevent your child from viewing it.
Aside from the precautions experts are providing amid the recurring “Momo Challenge” scare, PCSUPT MARNI C MARCOS JR, the Director of the PNP ACG reminds the public to be vigilant.
“While we have yet to determine where the “Momo Challenge” originated and who are the individuals perpetuating it, we encourage not only the public, but also other law enforcement authorities to form part in spreading awareness to prevent this purported su***de game from affecting and causing harm to our children”, he said.
PCSUPT MARCOS also advises everyone to immediately report untoward incidents involving the “Momo Challenge” to the PNP ACG through hotline 414-1560 or visit the nearest Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit or any police station.
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The following information was obtained from the different cyber security sources and provided as a notification to all parties concerned pursuant to the mandate of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG).
