Parents warned of 'Momo Challenge' targeting children

  • Watch Tony Green's full report below

Interviewees: Kevin Duffield, Parent & Samantha Crinnion, Headteacher - Footage Courtesy of CEOP

Parents across the region are being warned about a new danger online that is targeting children of all ages.

The so-called 'Momo Challenge' is fronted by a character with bulging eyes, which appears on social media and sets children dangerous "challenges".

There have been suggestions the 'challenge' is a hoax but headteachers at schools across the region have been issuing advice following guidance from Hampshire Police's Education Team.

Conservative MP, Douglas Ross, has even called for a parliamentary debate on the issue.

  • Fred Dinenage spoke to social media expert, Zoe Cairns, about how parents can protect their children online

  • What is the 'Momo Challenge'?

The Momo Challenge is played over WhatsApp, with the character asking would-be participants to contact "her" and carry out a series of challenges - the final one being suicide, according to the Parentzone website.

YouTube said it had not received any evidence of the challenge on its site.

Some schools have warned parents the 'Momo Challenge' is appearing in online videos Credit: PA

National Online Safety has issued information for parents here.