Both the RCMP and the Horizon School Division have made a concerted effort to communicate about rumours of an online character coercing youth to commit acts of self-harm. The situation has both been reported and debunked by media over the past week. In an effort to keep children safe, both agencies are communicating with parents about the importance of vigilance when it comes to children's use of online time. Neither the RCMP nor the School Division reports any direct complaints or instances. However, general inquiries have led each agency to issue statements with similar messages.

The concern centres around a stylized doll named "Momo" appearing in content geared to children. While many news outlets are now reporting appearances as a hoax, there has been enough information circulating to warrant the information releases . In a statement on behalf of the Horizon School Division directed to its parents and caregivers, Director of Education Kevin Garinger states, "This situation is a reminder of the need to be vigilant in monitoring the information and content that children access online."

The RCMP release echoes the concern stating, "At this time, we have not received any complaints relating to any online challenges in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction; however, it is important for parents and guardians to report anything suspicious or concerning that their child encounters online." Reports should be made to the local RCMP detachment.

The releases go on to provide advice for parents when it comes to children accessing content on the Internet:

  • Take an interest in what your children are doing online
  • Talk about how they use the Internet and social media; be supportinve and encourage them to let you know if they have problems
  • Tell your child to ignore message from people they don't recognize and not to visit someone in person that they meet online or via text
  • Stay in the know about the latest ways children are communicating and what they're up to when they're at friends houses.
  • Warn your child not to give personal information to a stranger online