Online Safety

The MOMO Challenge is the latest online viral sensation raising fear and alarm worldwide. The Momo image of a sculptured woman with bulging eyes, long black hair, bird legs and distorted features, has been linked to some disturbing incidents around the world.  It is reported that this image has been embedded into social media sites and popular Youtube videos that appeal to children.

In the past week it has featured prominently on news broadcasts and has become a point of discussion for students in the school yard.  Some Star of the Sea students have had this image appear whilst they have been online recently. It is concerning when young people have been exposed to any content that scares them or plays on their emotions.  If you or your child comes across someone promoting any challenge with an inherent risk or harm, please flag it to Google immediately using this link:

https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802027?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en

Your children’s online world is as much a part of their life as offline, so it is crucial that parents are as involved in supporting their online wellbeing as they are their physical health.   Skills in rule setting, support, guidance and respect are just as important to helping ensure your children enjoy positive digital experiences and to help them gain confidence in asking for advice and support. Knowing they are equipped to make sound decisions and manage risks online is so important, especially with the number of internet-enabled devices that can be used without adult supervision.

Advice on how you can help keep your child safe online is available at iParent website (from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner).  

Our Lady Star of the Sea Ipad and Internet Users Agreement

Paul Anderson

Student Wellbeing Leader