Council Rock Officials Warn Of 'Momo Challenge' In Kid's Videos

NEWTOWN, PA — Council Rock school officials are asking parents to talk to their children after reports that a troubling internet trend may have resurfaced. The district has distributed communications to parents about the "Momo Challenge," a peculiar and disturbing internet "game" that allegedly targets children.

Authorities say it is possible that some YouTube and YouTube Kids channels have been hacked recently and could be unintentionally hosting the dangerous content. YouTube has denied such hacking occurred, and said it has found no evidence of this "Momo" in videos hosted on the platform.

According to information provided by law enforcement and school officials sending warnings about the game, the "challenge" features a frightening avatar who asks the child to perform various tasks, and provide photos as proof. The "Momo" threatens those who do not perform the tasks, which can escalate to serious violent acts, including self harm and suicide.

"Council Rock parents/guardians are urged to speak to your child(ren) about MOMO's current resurgence. In speaking to your child(ren), please communicate the seriousness of the MOMO social media 'game'," the message to parents said.

The unsettling internet game made headlines last fall after parents in one New Jersey community reported their children had been participating. Since then, reports that it has surfaced through other applications have prompted widespread warnings from various school districts in the region.

The origin of the Momo challenge is unclear, and some experts insist it is a viral hoax rather than a true threat. The Atlantic, in a piece published Thursday titled "Momo Is Not Trying to Kill Children," reports there is "zero corroborated reports of any child ever taking his or her own life after participating in this phony challenge."

According to a report by CBS, a California mom said her child was targeted, which created a "nearly catastrophic situation" at their home.

But YouTube denies the existence of the challenge on its platform. "Despite press reports of this challenge surfacing, we haven’t had any recent links flagged or shared with us from YouTube that violate our Community Guidelines," the YouTube statement said.

To learn more, visit this link: What Is The Momo Challenge? 5 Things To Know About Dangerous Game

A Denver Channel published this report on the Momo Challenge in October. Some of the images and details may be disturbing: