ONLINE “challenges” are creating quite a stir.
Parents and psychologists have been worried for some time now, not only of the effects to constant exposure to radiation but also regarding these “online challenges” that kids take seriously.
The latest craze—or should we call it threat—is this Momo challenge (although, it was reported to be a hoax). There’s also the “Blue Whale challenge, which traces its origin back to Russia in 2015, and believed to have caused children’s suicides all over the world. Talking about the Momo challenge, the ugly face (reported to be of a Japanese sculpture) attached to all the reports shared online is enough to scare a child. During my childhood days, a game is supposed to be enjoyed. Fun is often times associated with any game. How could a child have some fun when what he sees is a scary face?
Social media adds to the confusion when some sectors are getting too anxious to give their comments even if all the facts are not yet available. As we try to guide our children to be always on the side of caution, peer pressure seems to be a stronger influence.
I believe before even a child goes to school, we have to establish trust in order for the child to be in constant communication with the parents. Trust is the keyword. Gaining their trust and confidence makes it easier for parents to monitor their children’s activities.
Early on in our children’s development, we remind them not to talk to strangers. However, it is a different scenario now. The threat is internet immersion, and kids tend to believe whatever they see or read online.
The internet is overloaded with so much stuff that it is becoming more and more difficult to sort through which info is useful and which is not. The proliferation of fake news is adding to the confusion. Strong parental guidance is therefore required. Parents should make it their responsibility to know what kind of online games are their children into. They have to be imaginative in their approach as kids now do not like any form of censorship or invasion of their privacy.
Again, I go back to trust. Children usually listen only to people they trust. In a world where inconsistencies are readily spotted because of the availability of information through social media, we have to be able to discern quickly which info is trying to mislead thus, we have to tell our children to take every bit of info with a grain of salt.