What is the 'Momo challenge' and is it a hoax?

Parents around the internet are warning about an internet game called the "Momo challenge" that some claim is daring teens to commit suicide.

However, YouTube announced today, that the company has found no recent videos promoting it.

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Tech experts and law enforcement agencies have issued warnings in the past about the game, in which the user encourages others to harm themselves in online messages.

If they do not comply, they are apparently threatened and intimidated with a particular image, created by Midori Hayash, a Japanese artist with no link to the game, The Sun reported.

However, according to Snopes here have not been any verified cases of anyone actually being harmed because of the game. Snopes says the the challenge is just hype and hoax than reality.

Tech expert Dave Hatter told WXIX the game is believed to have originated to Facebook, but has crossed over into WhatsApp, an online messaging app that has millions of users around the world.

"I think it's a legitimate thing to be concerned about," Hatter told WXIX. "As a parent, I find it disturbing. I have a 10-year-old, and I will definitely be having a conversation with him about this."

The best thing parents can do is to educate themselves about it and talk to their children.

Most of all, Hatter said parents should monitor their child's messaging use, know who they are talking to and what they are viewing online.

Cox Media Group