Letter sent out from Brick township School system on the “Momo Challenge” .
December 11, 2018
Parents and Guardians:
A recent social media challenge directed at children and young adults, called the “Momo Challenge”, is creating concern throughout the country. Brick Township Public Schools is urging parents to become aware of this challenge and monitor their children’s use of social media and the internet. The “Momo Challenge” can be found on Facebook and/or through the “WhatsApp” and is disturbing in nature. The communications through the “Momo Challenge” begin with a chat that asks the receiver to perform small tasks and then escalates to more serious violent acts and request photographs for proof.
The “Momo Challenge” is just one example of dangerous “games” through social media that has a negative impact on students and their social interactions. Here in the schools and for you at home, it continues to be challenging to monitor and address the ever developing and changing topics related to social media. We must consider common sense guidelines, age appropriateness and exposure from older siblings or neighbors.
The Brick Township Public Schools counselors and administrative teams will continue to provide students and parents with information to address this most recent social media and internet concern. Please contact the counselors or administrative team of your student’s school, or go to WeTip.com on the district website with any concerns regarding this topic or any other social media/internet concerns. You can learn more about the “Momo Challenge” by visiting some of the links below. Please be warned that some of the images and stories may be disturbing.
https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/disturbing-momo-challenge-suicide-gameconcerning-schools-parents
https://www.wkbw.com/news/the-deadly-momo-challenge-are-your-children-playing-it
As the holiday season rapidly approaches and children may have more screen time on electronic devices or receive them as gifts, it is an appropriate time to consider family guidelines for appropriate use. We ask that you consider age appropriateness for children’s use of technology, time spent on social media and overall reminders of family expectations for making good choices using their conscience. Below are some links that offer advice.
https://www.parenting.com/gallery/social-media-monitoring-kids?page=2
https://www.safesearchkids.com/
https://childmind.org/article/media-guidelines-for-kids-of-all-ages/
The Brick Township Public Schools, in cooperation with the Brick Township Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office will be offering a program in the New Year to further educate our community regarding these social media and internet concerns. The location, date, and time will be published on the District website at: www.brickschools.org.
Gerard Dalton Superintendent of Schools
