Dear SJPS parents,
You may have seen a post or two circulating on social media with an image of a creepy faced person and the post describes something called the Momo Challenge. It urges people to share the post. The image is very disturbing in itself. The content of the post centers around a harmful challenge targeting children.
Glenn, our SJP IT, sent a link to an article that states,
To any concerned parents reading this: Do not worry. The “Momo challenge” is a recurring viral hoax that has been perpetuated by local news stations and scared parents around the world. This entire cycle of shock, terror, and outrage about Momo even took place before, less than a year ago: Last summer, local news outlets across the country reported that the Momo challenge was spreading among teens via WhatsApp.
Although this Momo Challenge has been shown to be a hoax, we do know that inappropriate pictures, videos, and other information circulate online. I want to assure you that our IT has security measures in place to keep students safe while using SJPS technology devices. Students are not permitted to access sites that have been deemed dangerous and students are monitored by school staff while using technology devices.
I had the opportunity to meet with Officer Parkhurst from the OPD this morning. He will be coming back to SJPS to give a presentation to our students and parents on internet safety and social media. We have set the date of April 2nd at 9:00 a.m. for him to come in and speak to our students. All parents are invited to attend. We can plan for an evening parent event as well.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. This is an area that needs to be reviewed and constantly updated because it is ever-changing. Thank you for helping us to keep all of our children safe.
Peace and blessings,
Mrs. Mary Johnson
