Nagpur: In view of the threat posed to vulnerable students due to an online game called Momo, which challenges players to undertake dangerous self-harming tasks, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has advised school principals to take preventive steps.The game’s concept is similar to ‘Blue Whale’ which had become a rage earlier this year, but this one is trapping more victims because of it being shared through Facebook and WhatsApp. The ultimate challenge thrown to players by the game controllers is to commit suicide.CBSE has forwarded to schools an advisory issued by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology which talks about how to identify symptoms in kids who are playing the game and also tips on protecting them from succumbing to it.In the game, members are challenged to communicate with unknown numbers. The game consists of a variety of self-harming dares which becomes increasingly risky as the game progresses and it finally ends with a suicide challenge.The game involves challenges that encourage teenagers, children or any other user to engage in a series of violent acts. It inspires players to add unknown contacts on WhatsApp by the name of ‘Momo’. Once the contact is added the image of terrifying Japanese Momo doll with bulging eyes appears in contacts.The game controller threatens the player with violent images, audios and videos, if the player does not follow the instructions.According to cyber law expert advocate Mahendra Limaye, there is very little, apart from counselling by parents, that can be done about this game. “To find the source of the game and the controllers is an uphill task for the law enforcement agencies. At the school level and at home the only thing that can be done is counselling,” he said.Last week at the Times Principals Conclave, the Momo challenge was discussed by adolescent counsellor Dr Rajiv Mohta who said parents need to be more open with their kids. “The channel of communication needs to be kept open and it is a two-way process. Parents are in the best position to know when their child is behaving differently and step in to take timely action,” said Dr Mohta.

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