Submitted by Chief Robert K. Week
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I would like to take this opportunity to address a recent social media challenge directed towards children and young adults, called the “Momo Challenge.” I am urging all parents and guardians 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 social media platform WhatsApp.
Communications through the “Momo Challenge” begins with a text and/or call that requests the recipient to perform small tasks which rapidly escalates to more serious violent acts, including self-inflicted harm, all while demanding photographs or videos for proof of completion. Unfortunately, in recent history there has been documentation where the disposition of the challenge resulted in serious injuries and/or death.
In collaboration with the Board of Education, social media risks will be addressed by school staff members and our Juvenile Detective Bureau. As always, the safety of our children is of the utmost priority.
Any questions/concerns, please contact Juvenile Detective Sergeant Ryan Peters at 908-273- 5871 or rpeters@spdni.orq.
