Alerted by the appearance of Momo, a nefarious character, in children's videos

The Momo Challenge, a challenge that last year urged children and teens to self-flog or perform risky actions, has reappeared in recent days, but this time, hidden in videos aimed at young children via different digital platforms.

The complaints have multiplied, especially among parent groups who have warned about the presence of this character who had appeared some time ago on Facebook pages, refusing to communicate with a WhatsApp number with which, by the Through a conversation, it has caused users to hurt themselves

In this regard, the Public Prosecutor's Office of the City of Buenos Aires (MPT) issued a series of recommendations, "because of calls received in the body, given the concern" of many people who have stated that their children had been victims of violence. with this video

"We are working with our interdisciplinary teams to deal with this new phenomenon and its impact on children.We know that many have nightmares, can not sleep, are afraid to be alone and even have a bad behavior. 39, self-injury, "said Yael Bendel. , leader of the MPT.

On this occasion, the face of Momo, a doll with dark hair, lean eyes, pale and curved, began to sneak in videos that, at first glance, seem harmless, like an episode of cartoons or publications for children showing their toys

"My little girl was seeing unicorns and suddenly that doll's face appeared, and since the video was in English, she did not understand the instructions in which she told her to go to the kitchen, grab a knife and put it on his wrists, "explained an 8-year-old mother and a 2-year-old boy. .

"She did not see her in full, but she was very scared, she spent a week crying and saying that she did not want to sleep alone," said the woman who said that the content was broadcast on YouTube Kids.

In the videos, the doll's intervention is usually short and asks the children to look at her in the eyes, she explains to them how to insert something metallic into a jack, where they can get it or how to cut it and that " more red liquid flows "" The challenge is better.

According to testimonies, Momo tells the children that if they do not comply with these orders, they will kill them or kill their parents.

Despite testimonials from parents who claim that these videos are running on the YouTube Kids Kids platform, developed with filters so that younger people do not see inappropriate content, the company said in a statement: have no evidence of videos promoting the Momo challenge on YouTube or YouTube Kids. "

"This type of content is a violation of our policies and, as soon as it is reported, it will be immediately eliminated," said the company, adding that "we encourage all people to report any content that they believe , is inappropriate in case they would see it.the team can review it and take the necessary steps. "

Warning

The MPT asked parents "to be attentive to the use of all media, social networks, games and videos online" and stressed that "those who are interested in advice or information" about how to proceed in this situation can contact 0800 12 27376 or via WhatsApp at 15 7037 7037.