Dear Parents,

In the March update the topic "8 scary social networking sites that parents should know about" is highlighted.  In addition, it has come to my attention that sites geared for children such as YouTube for Kids has instances where videos such as the Momo challenge are popping-up in the middle of what appears to be age appropriate videos.  The Momo challenge encourages children to harm themselves.  

Please read the important information provided in this link https://educateempowerkids.org/5461-2/ as well as the portion of the Forbes article below.  


Quoted from a recent article in Forbes magazine:

Staying Safe Online

Rather than warning children about specific dangers such as Momo, parents and professionals can better help children by teaching them good practices online.

It's important that children know that they should not be trying to contact strangers online, regardless of the method. Setting privacy systems on devices with your child is a great way to have this conversation and agree on automatic precautions.

"A much better approach," said Glassbrook, "is for professionals to focus on ensuring the door is open for children to talk about these kinds of issues and teaching good practice rather than telling them there’s a big red button they mustn’t push."

Fostering an atmosphere of openness and transparency about online activity ensures that children can thrive. If you do notice them switching screens on their devices when approached or new numbers or email addresses on their devices it's worth checking in with them.

Keep video games and YouTube watching, two major ways these stories circulate, in shared family spaces. In video games, you can also set-up restrictions on friends and accessing user generate content that may include Momo themed add ons.

YouTube has been marking videos including Momo content as being "identified by the YouTube community as inappropriate or offensive to some audiences". And that "viewer discretion is advised". If you have Restricted mode on for your child's account this content is not available to them.

As always, monitor your child's technology use to ensure his/her safety.  Please contact me should you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your attention to this concern.

Ms. Michele Pasquale
Principal
Saint Brendan School
268 East 207th Street
Bronx, NY 10467
(718) 653-2292