Momo Challenge is a malware attack that encourages young people to self-harm through threats

Tasmania Police e-crime investigation services sergeant Nikala Parsons said there had been no reports to police about the "malware attack" called the Momo Challenge but it served as a timely reminder for parents and carers to talk to their children about their safety online.

A malware attack is a type of cyberattack in which malware or malicious software performs activities on the victim's computer system, usually without his/her knowledge.

"Children should be made aware that no one has the right to tell them to give out personal information or make them do anything they don't want to do," Detective Sergeant Parsons said.

There have been reports that the Momo Challenge has been embedded in popular children's YouTube videos and the character, which is loosely based on a Japanese manga character, has also been spotted in popular online games Fortnite and Minecraft.

However, conflicting reports have also arisen over the validity of the 'challenge' with some charities describing it as a hoax. 

Whether or not the challenge is legitimate, Detective Sergeant Parsons said parents needed to be aware of what their children were doing online and should communicate with them about online safety.

"Children are encouraged to speak to their parents about issues they are having online, especially in regards to unrecognised or unwanted approaches," she said.

Schools have also been communicating to parents to have conversations with their children. Somerset Primary School on the North-West posted to their Facebook page on Friday. 

It was described by the school as a 'hoax' that had turned into an urban myth for young people.

The Tasmanian Government is in the process of reviewing submissions on an amendment to make cyber bullying a crime in Tasmania.

Cyber bullying has been defined as the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.

Submissions on the proposal are being considered by the government, with consultation closing in early February. The proposal by Attorney General Elise Archer is to amend the criminal code to make cyberbullying a crime in Tasmania.

E-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said while things like the Momo Challenge was terrifying for young people, unfortunately these types of cyber crimes were common.

"Unfortunately, the Momo Challenge is not the first, nor will it be the last, harmful online 'challenge' or phenomenon to target our children," she said.

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"Our research shows 81 per cent of parents hand their child an internet-connected device by the age of 4, so active parental engagement and oversight of a child’s online activities is critical from the start, to help ensure they are prepared for what they may encounter.

"As young people often do not have the maturity or judgement to cope with confronting content online, it’s important to guide and instil critical reasoning skills, so they are aware that not everything they see or receive online is real."

If children need help, they can contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 for more support.

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