The internet can be a hell of a scary place for a kid. We agree that access to Google and other mediums help them to broaden their knowledge base, but at the same time, some or the other danger always seems to be lurking in the corner.

Now that danger of Blue Whale Challenge seems to be way behind us, here is a new threat- Momo Challenge. This one started on Facebook where the members were challenged to communicate with an unknown number.  The challenge allegedly targets kids and teens and encourage them to engage in a series of violent acts that end up with suicide.

Once the initial contact with a user is established (usually through FB), the Momo account sends a number of challenges and activities that need to be completed to meet ‘Momo.’ When the user does not agree with the directions, Momo reportedly threatens them with violent images.

This Momo challenge is reportedly responsible for the death of a 12-year-old girl in Argentina. The officials are still hunting with the person with whom she was exchanging the messages.

However, you need NOT panic since as of now, there are NO reports suggesting the presence of the Momo challenge in India. Here are some facts about Momo Challenge that every parent should be aware of:

• Try to outsmart your kids. Keep a constant tab on their phones and discourage them to add any unknown contact on WhatsApp.
• Several numbers have been identified to be linked to this deadly sick game. These include a Japanese phone number that starts with 813, a number from Colombia that starts with 52, and a number from Mexico that starts with 57.
• Momo challenge is more popular in Spanish-speaking countries.
• The grotesque face with bulging eyes that has unfortunately got associated with Momo challenge is actually the work of a Japanese doll artist. At some point, the photo became part of the Momo App.

台風だから幽霊の絵見てきた 幽霊はいいぞ #幽霊画廊 #猫将軍

A post shared by さとう【生ビール嫌い】 (@j_s_rock) on Aug 22, 2016 at 7:13am PDT

• Do not comment on a stranger’s Facebook post, no matter how much you may get tempted to type “bless you,” “jai Hind,” “sai ram,” or any other non-important comment. Your seemingly harmless comment might led the miscreants to your id and thus to your private information.
• Always keep updating our security setting on Facebook so that your contact info is not available to every ‘Tom, Dick and Harry.’
• Several copycat WhatsApp accounts are floating with the same image just to spread panic.
• Many experts believe that Momo challenge is just a hoax and is more about acquiring personal information and perhaps installing spyware, rather than threats.
• Just block the phone number on WhatsApp if you suspect it to be connected to Momo. It is as simple as it get.

Be aware. Stay safe. And watch out for the vulnerable ones around you.

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