MANGALURU: Following the horror of the Blue Whale Challenge, a game comprising self-harming dares called ‘Momo Challenge’ which targets youths, especially schoolkids, has created fear among parents, teachers and school managements in the education hub of
Dakshina Kannada.
Following a circular issued by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to curb this
online game and keep their wards on watch, private schools affiliated to this board have started awareness drives. However, some government schools and Kendriya Vidyalayas are yet to create awareness on it.
After the CBSE circular, Mount Carmel Central School, Bondel, sent a communication to all parents, explaining the
Momo Challenge and precautions to be taken to ensure their ward’s safety.
The communication from the school reads: “CBSE has instructed us through a circular to make parents aware of the misuse of internet and smart cellphones by children. Parents need to take precautions of another online game by name ‘Momo Challenge’, which consists of a variety of self-harming dares and encourage children/teenagers to engage in a series of violent acts. This game inspires children/teenagers/any other user to add unknown contacts on
WhatsApp by the name Momo. Once the contact is added, the image of a terrifying Japanese Momo doll with bulging eyes appears in the contact. The communication further asked that parents/guardians be extra careful and monitor their ward’s cellphone, internet activities and online games usage.”
Sr Melissa, principal, Mount Carmel Central School, said they sent mails as per CBSE guidelines informing parents about the deadly online game and the precautions to be taken. Meanwhile, children will also be educated on it next week, after they complete their examinations, she said.
Look out for these signs and symptoms among children:
* Becoming withdrawn from friends and family
* Persistent low mood and unhappiness
* Looking worried that stops him/her from carrying out day-to-day tasks
* Sudden outbursts of anger directed at themselves or others
* Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
* Visible marks like deep cuts or wounds on any part of the body of the child
How to protect your child from this game:
* Check with your child, ask how things are going. Ask if there is anything stressing them, or has them worried. If your child is talking about any level of distress, do not hesitate to ask them about changes in mental health.
* Unless there is reason to believe your child already knows of or has played the game, don't discuss the game. By doing so, you increase the chance that your child will search for it.
* Monitor your children’s online and social media activity to ensure they are not engaging with this game.
* Keep eyes open for: Unusually secretive behaviour, mostly related to their online activity. Sudden increase in time spent online, especially on social media. They seem to change screens on their device when approached. They become withdrawn or angry after using the internet or sending text messages.
* Install a good cyber/mobile parenting software which helps monitor your children.
* Remind your child that you are there and will support them as they face life challenges.
(Source: Ministry of Electronics and IT)
