Kim Kardashian Pleads with YouTube to Address Alleged 'Momo Challenge' Appearances in Kid Videos
Kim Kardashian West is asking YouTube to take down any videos they see that are part of the “Momo Challenge.”
The “Challenge” — which New York magazine describes as having originated with a Japanese-manufactured statue called “Mother Bird” in 2016 and has since resurfaced in a rumor-based capacity — allegedly involves an image of the statue being sent around, instructing kids to commit dangerous stunts and even suicide.
On her Instagram Story late Tuesday evening, the reality star and mother of three shared two posts from other users warning against the disturbing trend many are alleging is making the rounds on various video-streaming and social-media platforms.
“Parents please be aware and very cautious of what your child watches on YouTube and KIDS YOUTUBE. There is a thing called ‘Momo’ that’s instructing kids to kill themselves, turn stoves on while everyone is sleep and even threatening to kill the children if they tell their parents,” read one of the two posts Kardashian West, 38, shared along with a plea asking YouTube to “Please help!”
New York magazine claims that the “Challenge” — which went viral first in the U.K. — has no basis in fact as far as whether it has actually driven children to commit violent acts, explaining that many reports of such videos (and others with disturbing, violence-encouraging clips spliced in) have not included links to examples as much as anecdotes about their supposed existence.
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“It doesn’t come on instantly so it’s almost as if it waits for you to leave the room then comes on in mid show. It’s been seen on Peppa Pig, LOL DOLL, those surprise eggs, and a few others,” continued the post, which originated on Facebook.
“There’s also videos of cartoons doing sexual things, violent things and they may look innocent enough at first glance but trust they aren’t! PLEASE PAY ATTENTION!!”
YouTube said in a statement to PEOPLE on Wednesday, “Contrary to press reports, we’ve not received any recent evidence of videos showing or promoting the ‘Momo Challenge’ on YouTube. Content of this kind would be in violation of our policies and removed immediately.”
Regardless, U.K.-based group National Online Safety has provided a tip sheet for parents who find themselves having to address the “Momo Challenge” in one way or another.
This Safety Guide explains what the “Challenge” is, what related reports have consisted of, what videos are allegedly provoking children to do, where they have been reported to be found and how they are making children feel.
Some of their tips include to possess an open communication with your children, keep your eyes peeled for disturbing content and behavioral changes in kids, teach kids not to succumb to peer pressure and report and block any inappropriate content you come across.
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