‘Contrary to press reports, we’ve not received any recent evidence of videos showing or promoting the Momo challenge on YouTube.’
YouTube has claimed it has not received any evidence that the Momo Challenge is appearing on the video sharing platform, despite reports in the press.
Disturbing stories have surfaced in the news in recent days of how the ‘challenge’ appears on YouTube, sometimes in videos aimed at children.
Featuring the distorted face of a woman with bulging eyes – known as Momo – the videos encourage viewers to self-harm and even commit suicide.
With some reports claiming the deaths of four children have been linked to the Momo Challenge, some parents have understandably raised concerns, sharing warnings about it across Facebook and other social media.
Having initially stayed quiet on the subject, YouTube has now responded to reports, insisting that if such content does appear on its platform it will be taken down immediately.
“Contrary to press reports, we’ve not received any recent evidence of videos showing or promoting the Momo Challenge on YouTube,” a spokesperson told the Daily Dot.
“Content of this kind would be in violation of our policies and removed immediately.”
Despite such assurances from YouTube, reports that Momo has been appearing in children’s programmes such as Peppa Pig have seen some schools warn parents about the challenge.
Haslingden Primary School, near Bolton, posted a statement about it on their Facebook page on Tuesday which urged parents to be vigilant.
