Concerns Grow Over Latest Online ‘Suicide Game’ Known As ‘Momo Challenge’
The 'Momo Challenge' has been reported in a growing number of countries including Germany, United States, France and Mexico - although reports seem to be most prevalent in Latin America. If you are affected by any online related issues, please follow the links throughout the article to our various help and support resources.
Parents around the world have been warned about a new, disturbing ‘Blue Whale Challenge’ type game called ‘Momo.’ The twisted challenge mainly takes place on Whatsapp, however some victims were coaxed into participating through Facebook profiles and other private groups. So far, the challenge has been linked to the death of a 12 year-old girl who reportedly took her own life in Argentina.
The sinister challenge has been reported in many different countries including Germany, United States, France and Mexico – although reports seem to be most prevalent in Latin America.
According to the Buenos Aires Times, the girl who ended her own life, may have fallen victim to the sick ‘Momo’ trend. Police believe this because the young girl recorded what she was doing just before committing suicide and it is thought that someone else encouraged her. Local authorities are now working to locate a teenager that she was believed to be talking to at the time, after finding footage and messages exchanged between the two through Whatsapp.
“It all started in a Facebook group where participants were challenged to start communicating with an unknown number.”
Computer Crime Investigation Unit of the State of Tabasco, Mexico
The gruesome game is based around a grotesque image of a woman with distorted features that has been designed to look like a character from cult Japanese artist Midori Hayashi’s nightmarish dream world. Once victims are talking to ‘Momo’ it is said that they receive a series of images and messages, similar or worse than the one originally displayed.
With such little information about ‘Momo’ available; it is difficult to identify the motivation behind it but authorities warn that it could be for financial gain, blackmail for personal information and/or to encourage violence or suicide among young and vulnerable people.
“The risk of this challenge among young people and minors is that criminals can use it to steal personal information, incite suicide or violence, harass, extort and generate physical and psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression and insomnia.”
Computer Crime Investigation Unit of the State of Tabasco, Mexico
Worried parents have been told to communicate openly with their children about ‘Momo’, or any other online activities that make their children feel uncomfortable or pressured into participating in.
If you need help with the ‘Momo Challenge’ or are affected by any kind of bullying or abuse online we can help you! Visit our Cyberbullying and Online Abuse Help Center or learn more about our Total Access Support to find out how we can help you with your particular problem. For more information about Cybersmile and the work we do, please explore the following suggestions.
- Who Are Cybersmile?
- People We’ve Helped!
- The Cybersmile Conversation (Allow a few seconds to load, but worth the wait!)
- Everything You Need To Know About The Blue Whale ‘Suicide Game’ (Blog)
- Cybersmile Campaigns
- Stop Cyberbullying Day 2018 Highlights
- Cybersmile Launch New Mental Health Resource
- Global Support Service
- Cybersmile Wins Gold At Cannes Lions 2018 For Body Positivity Campaign
- Parents Guide To Cyberbullying
- Cybersmile Announce Long-Term Partnership With New Game The Path Of Motus
- Being A Parent In The Age Of Online Bullies (Blog)
- Cybersmile Newsroom
- Corporate Partnership Program
- Become A Cybersmile Sustainer
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