Police issue warnings to Parents: Be Aware of "MoMo" Challenge

Police are issuing warnings to parents with children on social media. The  "Momo Challenge" is when a stranger contacts your child through Facebook's, "What's App" and identifies themselves as "Momo." Also disturbing images of "Momo" have appeared on Kids YouTube videos where "Momo" encourages your child to contact a number on "What's App" or "harm" will come to them. Momo encourages children to complete various tasks that include hurting themselves and providing photographic evidence in order to continue the game. Ultimately, the game ends with Momo telling the participant to take their own life and record it for social media.

Click on the links below to read more about this warning.

What is The "MoMo" Challenge? Rolling StoneParents Warned about "MoMo Challenge" ABC NewsWhat Parents need to know about MoMo -EducateEmpowerKids.Org

Keeping Children Safe Online

How can you keep your kids safe online?
Here are 12 tips such as how to set up parent settings on your device, parent settings on your gaming system to should my child be playing Fortnite?

1. Set Reasonable Limits on Your Child's Internet Usage

If they can't follow the usage guidelines, use parental controls to enforce usage.

2. Use Devices that Automatically Control Family Internet Access or Set up Parent Controls

Disney's "Circle" is a device that can control your family's internet access. 

Click on the links below to see information about parent settings for:

  Windows 10

 Mac OS

 Android Tablets

Google Play

 You Tube

iTunes and App Store

3. Help Your Kids Set The Privacy Controls On Their Social Media Accounts

Click on the links below to see privacy setting information for the following social media sites:

Facebook

Instagram

Snapchat

WhatsApp

4. Secure Your Gaming Systems

Click on the links below for information on parent settings for:

 Play Station 4

Nintendo Switch

 Xbox

5. Keep Computers and Other Connected Devices in Common Areas of the Home

 Children are less likely to visit inappropriate sites when an adult is close by.

6. Spend Time Online with Your Kids

Look for opportunities to see what your child is interested in online.

7. Discuss the Dangers of the Web with Them

Remind children not to share any personal information such as passwords, name, address or phone numbers.  They should not be communicating with anyone online that they don't know. If they receive messages or emails from people they don't know, they should delete it. If, however, they do open a message from a stranger, remind them never to open any links or attachments as it may contain malware or a computer virus. Also, the internet is forever! Never post anything that you may regret later. Create a POSITIVE digital footprint!

8. Set Up Separate Accounts For Your Children on Your Computer

Each account will have it's own selection of features and permissions

9. Watch for Changes in Your Child's Behavior

Kids who are being cyber-bullied or have been in contact by an on-line predator may exhibit changed behavior. They may act secretive or close windows when you enter the room.

10. Randomly Check Your Child's Browser and Chat Histories

Know who your child is chatting with.

11. "Friend" or "Follow" your children on Social Networks

Know who your child's friends are.  It's not foolproof.  There are ways that they can keep their communications hidden from you. For example, some children create fake Instagram account ("Finsta" for short) to post information for select friends. 

What You Need To Know About "Fortnite"

A Parents Guide to "Fortnite"

A Parents Guide To "Apex Legends"

For more parents information about technology please visit "Common Sense Media for Parents"