Momo Challenge Notice

Dear Curley K-8 Community,

In recent days, there has been growing concern nationally about a reported disturbing trend called the “Momo Challenge,” in which youngsters are purportedly being asked to commit acts of self harm. Recent media coverage, which includes this article in The Atlantic, explains that this challenge is likely a hoax. However, this information provides us an opportunity to remind our students and families of important tips to stay safe online and on social media. This month, BPS launched a web page with online safety tips for students and families: bostonpublicschools.org/internetsafety.

For additional information, please review the resources listed below and/or reach out to our guidance team at school, Cristina Silva, K-4th (csilva4@bostonpublicschools.org) or Sugeily Santos, 5th-8th (ssantos2@bostonpublicschools.org).

Sincerely,
Katherine Grassa
Principal
Curley K-8 School

TIPS AND RESOURCES

Top Three Tips for students:

• Think before you speak, text, or post.
• Ask yourself: Is it welcome, true, and kind?
• Remember: Anyone can see what you post!

Use Social Media Responsibly:

Common Sense Media (commonsensemedia.org) provides a wealth of resources to help young people thrive in a world of social media, the internet, texting, and other technology. Among its tips for social media users, the organization suggests:

• Parents should visit the site or app’s safety section with their child. Sometimes you can find these sections under “About Us,” “Privacy Policy,” or “Settings.” Review the rules and find out how your child can report mean or inappropriate content.
• Don’t add strangers as contacts. People aren’t always who they say they are online. If someone you don’t know communicates with you, do not respond, and tell a trusted adult.
• Keep some information private, such as your name, address, school, and phone number.
• No matter what app you use, anyone can see, share, or save your posts/messages. No App can provide 100% security and your posts/messages can be shared publicly.

Enable Security Settings on Apps:

• Please note that the Snapchat app is particularly concerning. Because Snapchat automatically deletes photo, video, or text messages shortly after they are opened, young people may falsely assume Snapchat messages — particularly those containing bias-based, sexually explicit, or other offensive content — will be immediately destroyed. However, the message receiver can easily take a screenshot, and then share the harmful images, videos, or words as widely and frequently as they choose.
• Snapchat: In the “Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Snapchat,” Common Sense Media suggests parents enable privacy settings with their children. Click on the link for detailed instructions.
• Instagram and Facebook: Common Sense Media urges teenagers to use privacy settings to limit their audience on Instagram and Facebook to people they know well.