Notice to Parents - Monitor Your Child's Social Media for 'Momo Challenge'

A recent social media challenge directed at children and young adults, called the “Momo Challenge”, is creating concern throughout the country. While there have been no reports of student interaction with it in our community, the Wenatchee School District is urging parents to become aware of this challenge and monitor their children’s use of social media and the internet. The "Momo Challenge" is an online cyberbullying game targeting young kids and teenagers through Facebook and WhatsApp. It threatens children with violence if they don't commit potentially dangerous activities.

The “Momo Challenge” is just one example of dangerous “games” through social media that has a negative impact on students and their social interactions. You can learn more about the “Momo Challenge” by visiting the link below. Please be warned that some of the images and stories may be disturbing.

https://www.wkbw.com/news/the-deadly-momo-challenge-are-your-children-playing-it

What parents can do

• Consider age appropriateness for children’s use of technology, time spent on social media and overall reminders of family expectations for making good choices.
• Ask your child if they know about the challenge and engage in conversations about safe technology use.
• Children should never respond to unidentified messages on social media and parents should advise their children to never share personal data, photographs or phone numbers on the internet

How to report a concerning behavior

Online: https://wenatchee-wa.safeschoolsalert.com/
This system allows you to quickly, easily, and anonymously report safety concerns to school officials 24/7/365.

Your child’s school counselors and administrative teams are aware of this most recent social media and internet concern and will monitor the situation in their buildings. Please contact your child’s school if you have any further questions.