Momo challenge WhatsApp number: How to BLOCK contacts with Momo picture
THE MOMO challenge is still sweeping the internet, as media frenzy pushes the terrifying new type of cyberbullying into the spotlight. Here’s how to block contacts with Momo’s picture on WhatsApp.
Momo Challenge: Psychologist explains how to help children
The Momo challenge is a sinister new online ‘game’ which started in Summer 2018 but is doing the round again this year. The ‘challenge’ involves a text from an unknown number via messaging service WhatsApp, with a profile picture of a humanoid monster. This profile picture is ‘Momo’ a pale female face with lidless eyes bulging inches from its head, and a thinly stretched, gaping smile. When the person who receives the message confirms the contact, ‘Momo’ proceeds to convince them into self-harm or even suicide by threatening their family.
How to block contacts with the Momo picture
The Momo challenge is built around initial contact from an unknown number via WhatsApp and thankfully there are many ways to block unknown contacts on Apple, Android and Windows phones.
On Android, you need to open the message from the unknown contact, tap the menu icon and then select ‘Block’.
This method is the same on Windows phones, although you have to confirm after selecting the option to block contact.
On iPhones, open the message and simply tap the number at the top of the screen, selecting ‘Block’ from the list of actions.
Momo messages are thought to be used mainly for collecting data, and even if they weren’t, they can be classed as spam.
From the same menu on each type of phone, choose the ‘Report Spam’ option which will report the offending number to WhatsApp authorities.
If blocking contacts isn’t quite enough, parents can take another step and install security apps on their child’s mobile phone.
Alastair Graham, CEO of age restriction provider Agechecked.com, has outlined which online services parents can use to keep their children safe online.
He said: “Apple’s Screen Time provides parents with tracking on all the apps that children use across all iOS devices.
“Parents can receive detailed activity reports on each app and time restrictions can be set to curb time spent on them.
“This also provides web filtering, age restriction and app blocking capability.”
“Google’s Digital Wellbeing app also includes a pie chart showing parents how a phone is used, an app timer to limit the time spent on them and a ‘wind down’ feature which works by shifting the phone screen to greyscale at a specified time.
“This is in addition to Family Link which helps parents control their children’s use of Android.”
However, responsibility also rests with online agencies responsible for running websites and curating content.
The UK is currently leading the charge in online safety law, but companies need to do more to root out malicious content.
Ultimately, reassurance against momo lies in the fact the horror is just a myth.
David Mikkelson, the founder of fact-checking website Snopes.com told CNN Momo was nothing more than an exaggeration.
He said: "Is there a prevalent, global phenomenon of Momo popping up in kids' WhatsApp accounts and YouTube videos and urging them to harm themselves or others?
"That claim appears to be fear-driven exaggeration lacking in supportive evidence.
"Now that the Momo Challenge legend is out there, have some people used the Momo character to scare and taunt youngsters via WhatsApp or by slipping it into video clips?
"Possibly some scattered incidents of this have happened."
In the UK, the Samaritans have spoken out against the hoax, saying the risk from Momo lies in the panic stirred by the reports.
A spokesman for the charity said: “These stories being highly publicised and starting a panic means vulnerable people get to know about it and that creates a risk.
“Currently we’re not aware of any verified evidence in this country or beyond linking Momo to suicide.
“What’s more important is parents and people who work with children concentrate on broad online safety guidelines.”