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Momo Challenge and Other Hoaxes

We have had many students that are coming to school in the elementary school in regards to the Momo Challenge that has been in the news for a while now.  Today I went into a 4th grade classroom to talk to the kids about this and other hoaxes that they may see online.  It is NOT an easy topic to discuss, but the discussions are happening which his HUGE and ESSENTIAL!!!  Moorhead Public Schools posted THIS on their website and it's PERFECT - so we basically said "This post is from Moorhead Public Schools and says EXACTLY what we need to say to you."  It's AWESOME - here it is:

Moorhead Public Schools posted THIS safety message to their district.  We feel that the message is extremely important - this is what is says:

"This is a reminder about online safety.  There has been a national and international media coverage lately about the 'Momo Challenge' on the Internet.  Allegedly, young students are encouraged to text a number on a various online applications (YouTube, Minecraft, WhatsApp etc..), which they sends students instructions to complete a series of increasingly bizarre and dangerous tasks from watching a horror movie to engaging in sel-harm to taking their own lives.    

While there are reports that the Momo Challenge is an Internet hoax, we felt that it was important to make you aware of it.  Additionally, given the growing national media coverage of the challenge, experts on mental health caution that such news coverage could potentially prove harmful, possibly even inspiring imitators.  It could cause some students to be fearful or anxious.  

Regardless of the Momo Challenge or a similar challenge or hoax, we always encourage to have intentional conversations with their children about what they encounter online and to monitor online activity.  The following resources offer helpful when navigating the Internet:

Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

Family Online Safety Institute: https://www.fosi.org/#

Family Media Plan: 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child's school office.  If you have concerns about your child's emotional well being in regards to this, please contact Kyle Gylland at the high school, or Todd Henrickson at the elementary school.  

Moorhead public Schools Website:

This is such an AMAZING reminder for ALL of us to have these open discussions and make parents AWARE as many haven't even heard of this before but I can GUARANTEE their child (ren) has!

Keep at it - struggle away - keep others diligent as well - you're doing AWESOME WORK!!
Happy Wednesday all
Mrs. I:)


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