We have recently become aware of a social media challenge targeting children and young adults called the Momo Challenge. It has created concern throughout the country because of its disturbing nature.

The Momo Challenge can be found on WhatsApp (a free smartphone messaging application) and on Facebook. The challenge involves a frightening character making contact with a child from an unknown number or name. The child is asked to perform various tasks and provide photos as proof. The Momo apparently threatens those who do not perform the tasks.

It has been reported that the frightening character associated with the challenge randomly appears in videos on the YouTube Kids and YouTube apps; however, to the best of our knowledge, that has not been confirmed and the threat of it appearing in these videos is not real.

We encourage parents/guardians to remind your children not to accept any invitation to play a game from an unknown number and not to click on unidentified links. Also remind your children to change email and social media passwords frequently and block unknown numbers inviting them to play immediately.

Parents are encouraged to follow online safety advice from experts:

• Supervise the online games your children play;
• Be mindful of the videos children are watching on any internet channels;
• Make sure parental controls have been set up on the devices your children have access to, to ensure age-appropriate content.

For a more comprehensive parent guide, “How to Navigate Social Media with Your Student,” click here.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s principal.

Sincerely,

Donna Geidel

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction

Pine Bush Central School District