Watch CBS News

Police Issue Warning To Parents After 'Momo Challenge' Resurfaces

(CBS News) — Police and schools are issuing warnings to parents on social media after a popular WhatsApp challenge has resurfaced in the United Kingdom. The "Momo game" or "Momo challenge" gained international recognition last summer and was initially considered a hoax, quickly becoming a widespread meme. In August 2018, law enforcement investigated the influence of Momo on the death of a 12-year-old in Argentina, worrying parents globally to the potentially real dangers of the challenge.

'Momo Challenge': Dangerous Social Media Game Prompts Warning From NJ Schools

When children participate in the challenge, they contact a stranger concealing themself as "Momo" using a creepy image and communicate primarily through the Facebook-owned messaging app WhatsApp. Momo encourages a participant to complete various tasks if they want to avoid being "cursed." Some of the tasks include self harm, which Momo asks the participant to provide photographic evidence in order to continue the game. Ultimately, the game ends with Momo telling the participant to take their own life and record it for social media.

Read more on CBS News.

Swipe below to see tips for keeping your kids safe online.

1. Step into their cyberworld
(credit: iStock)
2. Set house rules
(credit: iStock)
3. Teach them to protect their privacy
(credit: iStock)
4. Know that location is key
(credit: iStock)
5. Be their go-to guy/gal
(credit: iStock)
6. Turn your ISP into your ally
(credit: iStock)
7. Make your browser work double-time
(credit: iStock)
8. Tune up your search engine
(credit: iStock)
9. Stay in a kid-friendly zone
(credit: iStock)
10. Call on software for assistance
(credit: iStock)
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.