Is Your Child Safe Online? Beware of These Dangerous Games

After the launch of the vile and dangerous social media game Blue Whale last year, parents are now being worried and warned by the experts of the new online ‘suicide game’ Momo Challenge. It is a disturbing ‘challenge’ based game that targets vulnerable children and teens via WhatsApp and other social media. The game encourages them to harm themselves and others. The internet is filled with stories of kids jumping from rooms, cycling into walls and performing various other alarming activities. The challenge has also been hacking place in popular kid’s videos and games like Peppa Pig and Fortnite.

About the Momo Challenge

Using online platforms like YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc. a shadowy controller sends violent images and instructions to a child. The first reported encounters were in the middle of children videos and youngsters were encouraged to contact the ‘Mother Bird’ via WhatsApp. The mischievous individuals behind the challenge have used a photograph of a sculpture produced by Japanese artist Keisuke Aisawa of an ubume as the ‘Momo creature’ or ‘Mother Bird’. The distorted figure includes a wide smiling face, with eyes popping out, and rough hairs. The figure is almost bald and has chicken-like body and avian feet.

Once someone gets in contact with them, the shadowy controller sends victims instructions for the next challenge to be performed. Victims are either lured with the promise of meeting the Mother Bird or they are informed that they have been cursed through the messaging app. Children are told that their parents are going to be harmed if they tell anyone about meeting and knowing Momo.

The challenges are initially simple and easy, but gradually they take a darker turn and the controller starts threatening victims if they refuse to follow the orders. One of the most recognised threats includes the victim and their family being killed in their sleep.

How to know if your child is a victim of Momo challenge?

Parents might directly show pictures of Momo and ask their children if they know her. The child may ask you never to push hard on them. If the child flinches and is afraid of telling what is happening with them, just calmly inform them that it is a hoax. Observant parents will also be able to notice changes happening in the nature and activities of their ward. The most basic changes include:

• The child is quieter than usual.
• Is fearful of harm that might happen to you or other near and dear ones.

• Is extra eager or extra conscious of his messages.
• The child starts to be afraid of the dark.
• They may have unexplained wounds on their body.

What can you do?

• The most basic thing to do is have a conversation with your child about what should they do when they come across any type of upsetting material online. Take them into confidence that they will not be in trouble for such incidences. Never blame them, if they come to you, reassure them and do as needful to protect them.
• If you feel that the child is expressing any concerning factor, seek help from professionals. If confirmed, inform the Police and other concerned authority.

Take assistance from parental control tool like Kids Safe Browser Parental Control App for cloud-based web content filtering to filter out harmful material. The application is also helpful in blocking out pornography, gaming, media streaming, gun violence and several other categories of websites according to the desire of a parent.

FREE LINK for Safe Browser Parental Control – Blocks Adult Sites

Your kids can only use those apps and won’t get a chance to intrigue in your personal life. Don’t forget to download the Safe Browser and Kids Place video player to manage all the videos available.

Free Safe Browser Link

Free Safe Browser App Link – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kiddoware.kidsplace