We have been asked by the Hampshire Constabulary to make families aware of the ‘Momo Challenge’, a trending online ‘game’ which has been causing distress to children and encouraging them to harm themselves. It uses an alarming image known as ‘Momo’ and is being used on messaging apps and social media. It is believed that in some cases the ‘game’ is being used by cyber-criminals to harvest information.

The NSPCC offers sound advice for families with respect to staying safe on-line; please take a moment to review this. If parents have any concerns or queries they can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

Children who have any concerns about their on-line activity should contact Childline on 0800 1111.

https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline/

The media have picked up on this issue today and there is quite a lot of further information available for parents on-line via the national newspapers’ websites.

27.02.19