As has been well documented online, the Momo Challenge is a viral ghost story that is sweeping playgrounds, YouTube and user-generated levels in video games. Like a chain letter, the story goes that if you contact Momo via Whatsapp or text message you will have to do dangerous challenges to be free.
YouTube videos parents will want children to watch. Talking about good behaviour online, and ensuring they know not to contact or respond to strangers is also important. Doing this in a non-scary and open way - rather than serious warning about what not to search for on YouTube - is the best way to keep them safe.
Last August, Microsoft removed Momo modes to its Minecraft game. Its spokesperson told Fox News, “This content, which was independently developed by a third party, does not align with our values and is not part of the official Minecraft game.
It goes on to say, “It is not against our policies to include the image of the Momo character on YouTube; that being said, this image is not allowed on the YouTube Kids app and we’re putting safeguards in place to exclude it from content on YouTube Kids.”