SRO informs on internet safety following ‘Momo Challenge’

In recent weeks, a trend called the “Momo Challenge” has been linked to several suicides worldwide.

Although there have been no reported self-harm injuries as a result of this “challenge” locally, Rabun County Sheriff’s Department SRO Sargeant Tim Brown wants to inform parents on how to protect their children from the dangers of the internet.The “Momo Challenge” according to Brown, appears on many different app interfaces such as Youtube Kids, WhatsApp, or even Fortnite, in the form of a face with bulging eyes and black stringy hair.

Once “Momo” makes contact, it will then ask people to complete certain challenges, some of which involve self-harm or suicide, such as how to take pills. Other examples include but not limited to turning on the oven at night.

YouTube has taken steps towards blocking related videos, but Brown said there is no definite way to block “Momo” other than having supervision over your child.

“I don’t know if there really is any way to block it other than just paying attention to what their kids are watching on YouTube,” he said.

One way Brown suggested that parents can stay on top of their children’s activity on the internet, is by connecting phones to mirror any activity on the child’s phone.

“You can do this by taking the phones to a Verizon or AT&T store and they can set that up for you,” Brown said. “There is also a way you can monitor social media usage as well like SnapChat.”

In most scenario’s, Brown said the most common incidents happen on a social media app called “SnapChat”, an app that uses momentarily-timed pictures to communicate back and forth that disappear upon opening. There are ways, however, to secure that app according to Brown.

“On SnapChat, parents can set up a ‘my eyes only’ account on there that requires a password,” he said. “Once you get a snap you hit the circle at the bottom then it will open up a different screen and you swipe three times to the left and it will come up with all the hidden pictures.”