The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) yesterday advised parents to monitor their children amid the recent viral video called the “Momo Challenge,” which reportedly claimed the life of an 11-year-old boy earlier this week.

BCPO spokesperson, Police Major Ariel Pico, said the deadly challenge disseminated through the recent growth of ‘Piso-net’ shops, which has become more accessible to children.

The law enforcement official said, even if parents are busy, they should always find time to monitor their children and, if possible, avoid giving them money to play computer games.

He said, even if minors are not playing the said challenge, too much exposure to computer games can destroy a child’s future.

“Take time, find ways to spend time with your children, and monitor them,” Pico advised.

Based on their monitoring this year, Pico said they have not yet recorded any incidents of suicide involving minors.

Most of the suicides BCPO has recorded involve victims aged 18 and above.

He added, suicide incidents they recorded have mostly been due to depression.

According to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the “Momo Challenge” can be considered as a form of cyberbullying, which targets childrens who are addicted to using computers and electronic gadgets.

DICT said they are having a hard time blocking the content and advised the best method if proper guidance by parents.

They added, parents should have an idea what websites or applications they are visiting every time their children go online./DGB, WDJ