Koraput: Police have launched a special awareness programme for schoolchildren to keep them away from Momo Challenge, the cyber-bullying game, responsible for a spate of suicides among children.
The children, during the awareness programme, were being asked to limit their use of smart phones and computers. The guardians were asked to install parental control software in computers and on mobile phones used by children.
"Our teams have started visiting schools in urban areas and the children are being made aware about the Momo-Challenge game. The game is widely circulated on social media through WhatsApp, Youtube and Facebook. It is a threat for schoolchildren and teenagers," said Koraput superintendent of police Kanwar Vishal Singh.
During the game, one receives a message on WhatsApp or a friend request on Facebook. In case, the person starts communicating with the Momo Challenger, the challenger invites him to play the game.
"The person is brainwashed and forced to complete the game by performing dangerous tasks and in the last level he is asked to commit suicide. Even though no such case has been reported in the district till now but as precautionary measures we want to create awareness among the students, teachers and parents," said Koraput additional superintendent of police Sagarika Nath.
"The online deadly game is largely targeting young children as they can be easily deceived and can fall prey to these cyber-bullies. Children, who play with phones all the time, are exposed to such threats. So, parents should keep an eye on what their children are doing on phones or Facebook," Nath said.
According to Nath, apart from asking the students not to get curious about the game and to remain alert, the parents have been urged to recognise any change in their kid's behaviour.
They were asked to monitor their children's text messages, call logs, search history and communication via Facebook and Whatsapp.
"At present, we are focussing on Class VII to X students and soon an awareness drive will be launched for college students," Singh said.
