District Letter to Parents - Concerning on-line behaviour
Below is a message that was sent to all parents bringing their attention to the Momo Challenge on-line videos.
Dear parents and guardians,
Out of an abundance of caution we are asking you to be take particular interest in what your children are viewing online. We have become aware through social media of online videos called the “Momo Challenge” that directs children to harm themselves and threatens them with severe consequences if their instructions are not followed.
The challenge involves messages being hidden in seemingly child-friendly games and videos. The messages urge children to contact “Momo” via Snapchat, WhatsApp or other messaging programs. The Momo accounts often feature an image of a doll with large eyes and long, black hair. A Momo-like character has also been spotted in the popular online game Minecraft. Once messaged, Momo may respond with disturbing images and instructions, including directions for self-harm. Momo may also make threats about what could happen if the directions are not followed, saying they will harm the child’s family or place a curse on them.
It is imperative that you talk to your children about reporting these videos to a trusted adult. It is also important to make your children aware that they must immediately report any online interaction that leaves them feeling uncomfortable. Reminding your child that they will not be in trouble for reporting is critical to ensuring open communication.
Talk to your child about how they use the internet and social media – be supportive and encourage them to let you know if they have any problems
* Get to know what your child does online and teach them to be safe – they need to know how to deal with inappropriate material and how to protect themselves from predators
* Keep the computer in a common area or have them use personal devices in your company
* Warn your child not to give personal information to a stranger online
* Contact your local law enforcement if you believe your child is being blackmailed or extorted online
* Tell your child to ignore messages from people they don’t recognize and not to visit someone in person that they meet online or via text
Additional resources for parents can be found at:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase/online-safety
SD73 takes great pride in creating safe and caring places to learn and our dedicated staff are always willing to help.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to a trusted staff member if you need support for your child.
Sincerely,
Alison Sidow
Superintendent
Below is a message that was sent to all parents bringing their attention to the Momo Challenge on-line videos.
Dear parents and guardians,
Out of an abundance of caution we are asking you to be take particular interest in what your children are viewing online. We have become aware through social media of online videos called the “Momo Challenge” that directs children to harm themselves and threatens them with severe consequences if their instructions are not followed.
The challenge involves messages being hidden in seemingly child-friendly games and videos. The messages urge children to contact “Momo” via Snapchat, WhatsApp or other messaging programs. The Momo accounts often feature an image of a doll with large eyes and long, black hair. A Momo-like character has also been spotted in the popular online game Minecraft. Once messaged, Momo may respond with disturbing images and instructions, including directions for self-harm. Momo may also make threats about what could happen if the directions are not followed, saying they will harm the child’s family or place a curse on them.
It is imperative that you talk to your children about reporting these videos to a trusted adult. It is also important to make your children aware that they must immediately report any online interaction that leaves them feeling uncomfortable. Reminding your child that they will not be in trouble for reporting is critical to ensuring open communication.
Talk to your child about how they use the internet and social media – be supportive and encourage them to let you know if they have any problems
* Get to know what your child does online and teach them to be safe – they need to know how to deal with inappropriate material and how to protect themselves from predators
* Keep the computer in a common area or have them use personal devices in your company
* Warn your child not to give personal information to a stranger online
* Contact your local law enforcement if you believe your child is being blackmailed or extorted online
* Tell your child to ignore messages from people they don’t recognize and not to visit someone in person that they meet online or via text
Additional resources for parents can be found at:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase/online-safety
SD73 takes great pride in creating safe and caring places to learn and our dedicated staff are always willing to help.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to a trusted staff member if you need support for your child.
Sincerely,
Alison Sidow
Superintendent
