How to talk to kids about the ‘Momo challenge’ without generating more fear

Throughout the week, a character was once again the center of attention in WhatsApp group conversations between parents concerned about their children’s safety. The doll Momocreated by the Japanese sculptor Keisuke Aisoaged 46, was the target of rumors that spread along with fear and misinformation.

The current of panic generated by the confusing news spread over the internet, including by parents, raised questions about the veracity of the so-called ‘Momo challenge’. So far, several authorities in countries such as the USA, Brazil and Canada have not confirmed cases of suicide or attempted bodily mutilation of children related to the character, who would supposedly appear hidden within the videos on the platform. YouTube Kids🇧🇷

Last weekend, the news circulated in the press and on the networks that a mother showed her daughter a photo of the doll and that, according to her, the child would have recognized the character and cried with fear. Panic ensued and many other parents reported that they also showed Momo’s image to their children, causing bouts of crying and apprehension.

With the image damaged after the recent cases, the Googlethe company that manages the YouTubereported last Monday (18) that it was unable to confirm the evidence that Momo would be present in videos within the company’s children’s platform.

To analyze the causes and consequences of the fear generated by the case of the Momo doll, and how this can bring about behavioral changes in parents and children, we talked to the psychologist Talita Lopes🇧🇷 She helped us outline ways to talk to the little ones about situations experienced on the networks.

Always bet on dialogues

According to the psychologist, the ideal is to minimize trauma. Seeing the image of the doll will not necessarily leave significant emotional consequences, but it is essential to understand that exposure to something that evokes fear, such as the image of Momo, can generate feelings of panic and insecurity for the child.

Dialogue is key! Let the little one talk more naturally in a comfortable environment, without him feeling confronted or thinking he did something wrong. “It doesn’t need exposure to violence. They will conduct and demonstrate their feelings in a better way when they feel safe in the environment and in the voice of their parents”, explained Talita.

During the conversation, it is important to warn that if he saw something that caused him fear or discomfort, he should talk to his parents. It is possible to talk about the subject without leaving them scared or impressed, always using dialogue.

Do not remove electronic devices, but monitor carefully

In theory, YouTube Kids is a safe space for her – where parents can exclude inappropriate content-, where the child watches her videos and interacts with her favorite cartoons. Abruptly breaking this idea, by removing electronic devices from the interaction of the little ones, can leave many doubts about the use of the virtual space by the minors.

Talita recalls that the child can have access to other mobile devices at school or at a friend’s house, which would not eliminate any risk just by removing the devices inside the house. “It is necessary to restrict their access to children’s content only. Do not leave children alone with tablets and cell phones, especially with headphones, without adult supervision.”

In a world connected and with access to the internet in many ways, taking away their access to networks is not healthy. The child is in a phase where he is growing and learning about the world, and the internet helps in education. But you need an exclusive access time that is restricted and delimited.

Check information, do not spread fake news and seek help if necessary!

Passing on dubious information that has not been well verified has a tendency to get things out of control and be harmful for many people. Parents make fear viral in children and other caregivers with just one post. The idea is not to pass on information with the intention of fanfare and always check other sources to understand more about the subject.

If you and the child feel insecure, seeking help from an expert can be important to regain confidence and make it easier to deal with the situations experienced. “A child psychologist or family psychologist can work with this subject. The idea is for the family nucleus to discover this together, it becomes easier for everyone”, said Talita.