Access Keys:

 
 
St Josephs Primary School, Slate Street, Belfast

URGENT PLEASE READ - Warning issued over online game/social media

25th Feb 2019

Parents are being urged to supervise their children’s online activity due a cyberbullying game called the "Momo challenge".

PSNI & Gardaí say that the challenge is appearing on social media platforms and targets children and/or vulnerable people.

It is understood that "Momo" makes contact through social media, and allegedly asks the person to perform dangerous tasks, including self-harm.

The PSNI has issued a warning against "Momo", and says there have been reports of the game appearing on YouTube.

Gardaí & PSNI have appealed for children and vulnerable people’s online activity to be supervised.

CyberSafeIreland has said that it has been contacted a number of times in the last few days about the challenge.

It said that it has not seen evidence of cases where the challenge has caused harm to children in Ireland.

However, it urged parents to keep a close eye on their children's online activities.

It said: "It is really important that parents are aware that while the Internet brings great opportunities for fun, learning and socialisation, there are also risks that have to be managed, including access to harmful content or harmful contact.

"Parents should make informed decisions about their children's online use, keep a close eye on things, and have regular conversations about what what their children are seeing and doing online."

 

Source :RTE