Disturbing Trends You Need To Be Aware Of

A casual conversation with my daughter brought a disturbing trend to my attention. Recently, it has caught the attention of national news outlets.  It involves self-harm and suicide. I am sharing an email from one of our elementary school principals, Angel Charles  that she sent to parents.  Please read on to see her email on the Momo Challenge.  

Also, I am sharing an article from USA Today with the headline "Does Your Kid Have a Finsta Account? Why it's a big deal. "Finsta" Article 

YouTubeKids/YouTube/Whatsapp Alert and Tips:

While online fads are nothing new, we have become aware of a recent viral phenomenon that is gaining attention from students and wanted to provide you with information you might find helpful should the topic arise.  It has been alleged that videos on YouTubeKids, YouTube and Whatsapp have been hacked and that disturbing images and content are interrupting videos. While it is similar in nature to many other online sensations, this particular fad has sparked conversations among children about engaging in risky behavior and hurting themselves.  We wanted to share information about some of the latest “challenges” and provide you with a few resources for talking to your children about navigating the ever-changing digital world, social media, and digital citizenship.

1.  Common Sense Media: Online Challenges:  https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/viral-youtube-challenges-internet-stunts-popular-with-kids

2.  Resources for teaching/raising digital natives https://thoreau.concordps.org/showard/digitalcitizens/

3.  Promoting Mental Wellness: Tips for parents https://afsp.org/what-parents-can-do-promoting-mental-wellness-in-our-children/

4.  MGH Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds https://www.mghclaycenter.org/about-us/center-goals/