Opinion: Bewildered by Momo Challenge terror

The Momo Challenge took the world by storm.

The terror surrounding the Momo Challenge left me bewildered.

This is not unusual - much of what appears on social media confounds me.

I soon learned it was something appearing online encouraging children to self-harm.

There was a sense of urgency to the panic that surrounded this news heightened no doubt by the image of "Momo" a frightening, emaciated creature with bulging eyes and long straggly hair which began appearing all over social media last week.

Claims were made that the scary figure appearing during children's videos was inciting them to self-harm or commit violence against their family. This terrified parents around the globe.

It was also alleged games and YouTube videos were being hacked and harmful messages transmitted to children.

However, experts were soon describing it as nothing but a viral hoax.

YouTube later told reporters that it had not received any recent evidence of videos showing or promoting the Momo challenge on its platform.

Some commentators have since pointed out that the Momo Challenge, if it is an elaborate hoax, is playing to the fears of parents rather than children.

These fears relate to the lack of control parents feel about their child's growing attachment to devices and immersive nature of online platforms and their hand-wringing about the hours their children spend watching a steady stream of Youtube videos, or playing Fortnite or chatting online with friends.

We can't turn the back the clock. Technology is everywhere, and we rely on it - it's part of the fabric of our daily lives.

Perhaps the elaborate hoax that is the Momo Challenge is a stark reminder, if one was needed, that while technology can connect us at the global level, it can have the opposite effect in the family home - creating distance between parents and children.

WHERE TO GET HELP:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

OR IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE:

• 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
• https://www.lifeline.org.nz/services/suicide-crisis-helpline
• YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633
• NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)
• KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 or TEXT 4202