Mattoon school officials warn parents against the "Momo challenge", which could be a hoax | Local

A host of reports have reported that the video of a macabre character is merging with YouTube's children's videos that encourage them to commit dangerous and potentially violent acts. In addition, it has been reported that people could contact Momo via a social media platform, WhatsApp, where the avatar will launch them with terrible challenges.

If the children refuse to take the challenge, Momo threatens to divulge personal information, leaves disturbing messages and sends violent images.

A day later, other reports surfaced suggesting the challenge and the character was a kind of urban legend, or at least the magnitude of the challenge was exaggerated.

A few deaths around the world have been attributed to this problem, but authorities in these regions have not confirmed what is happening, according to information such as that of Snopes, a fact-checking site.

Dave Skocy, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, said Mattoon Middle School had also taken up the challenge to students. Nathan Pugh, director of Mattoon Middle School, said their discussion was a kind of public service announcement to parents about the challenge.