Local school system sends message concerning Momo challenge

CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — Parents around the internet are warning about an internet game called the Momo Challenge that some claim is daring teens to commit suicide.

Some local schools sent a message concerning the challenge.

YouTube announced that the company has found no recent videos promoting it.

Tech experts and law enforcement agencies have issued warnings in the past about the game, in which the user encourages others to harm themselves in online messages.

"It's definitely very serious. Things like this are targeting really vulnerable children," said Hopeline Executive Director Lauren Foster.

Hopeline provides crisis assistance over the telephone.

If they do not comply, they are apparently threatened and intimidated with a particular image created by Midori Hayashi, a Japanese artist with no link to the game.

"It's getting like really out of hand," parent Jessica Jordan said.

[LINK: Momo Challenge – what parents should know about online crazes]

There have not been any verified cases of anyone actually being harmed because of the game. The challenge is more hype and hoax than reality, according to reports.

“Parents and staff from several elementary schools throughout the district have reported concerns about what is being referred to as the Momo challenge,” Cabarrus County Schools officials said in a message to parents. “There is some debate as to whether it is a hoax or a credible threat to children. The images and videos may be alarming and frightening for many kids.”

The school system said it is unable to verify if anyone locally has experienced the challenge, but it did provide online safety tips for parents:

• Make sure your kids know not to contact adults or people you don't know online
• Have your child show you what is on their phone, especially social networking apps
• Keep lines of communication open with children about topics that create  strong, unwanted emotional responses
• Restrict access to screen time and discourage the use of devices during unsupervised hours
• Have a "check-in" time for all electronic devices
• Remind children of the power of negative peer pressure and encourage them to talk to you

The best thing parents can do is to educate themselves about it and talk to their children while monitoring their online activities, experts said.

Cox Media Group