Creepy phenomena like the Game Master, scary chain letters like Momo or horror figures like Huggy Wuggy are constantly circulating on the Internet. But what exactly is behind it? And how can parents react to this? In this article we explain.
The so-called Game Master is a darkly dressed, masked stranger who contacts YouTubers via WhatsApp or letter and sets them scary or dangerous tasks. These tasks must then be completed as quickly as possible. If the YouTubers do not fulfill the task set, they face penalties. Some of the Game Master’s actions even cross borders: he allegedly turns up at YouTubers’ homes or breaks into them and destroys their property. Their videos show how helpless the YouTubers seem to be at the mercy of the Game Master.
Have you ever seen a YouTube video featuring the supposed Game Master? Then you will have quickly noticed that the character and the story around it are made up. Presumably a person from the circle of friends has put on dark clothing and a mask. The interaction between YouTuber and Game Master is therefore a game.
Whether it’s scary chain letters, creepy videos, horror computer games like Poppy Playtime or dark quotes from films and memes – many children and young people really enjoy these kinds of trends. There are many reasons for this: by consuming scary videos and messages, children and young people can test their own limits, prove something to others, distract themselves mentally or simply feel the adrenaline rush. For them, following the creepy trends is both exciting and scary at the same time. It is a small challenge, especially for children, to dare to watch such videos or read the news.
The big problem here is that children and young people do not always understand how such content is staged. Younger children in particular are not even aware of the actual origin of a scary phenomenon and are unable to classify it or find it difficult to do so.
News and videos like those of the Game Masters are designed to spread fear and horror among young viewers. Talk to your child about what is behind these phenomena. Explain to them that such videos or chain letters cannot be genuine. For example, ask yourself together how you would react if an unknown person came to your home unintentionally and wanted to harm you. Agree with your child that they will talk to you if they receive scary messages or videos.
To expose a chain letter or video as nonsense, it helps to search for it online. There is information on almost every phenomenon here. Explain to your child what a false report is and how they can deal with it. And last but not least, to avoid wasting any more energy on the unwanted message, simply delete it from your smartphone and do not forward it – also to protect other children. Please note that care should be taken when warning other parents or families so as not to inadvertently spread the phenomenon or videos unnecessarily. It is best to make it clear immediately that it is a deliberate hoax if this is the case.
What you can also do: Block the contact together with your child and report the content to the operators of the platform or to the relevant reporting offices.
Cute at first glance, creepy at second: the Huggy Wuggy cuddly toy can be found in and outside many stores and is definitely not for children. Because Huggy Wuggy actually comes from brutal and terrifying videos that are hard for kids to digest.
Huggy Wuggy looks at first like any cuddly toy: it has long arms and legs, big googly eyes and soft blue fur. It is clear that children find the figure great. And because children are a popular target group, Huggy Wuggy is now also heavily offered for children. The cuddly toy is already available in all colors, you can buy backpacks, clothes or carnival costumes with it.
The problem is that Huggy Wuggy’s big, grinning mouth hides a row of sharp teeth. And behind the cute facade hides pure creepiness. Because Huggy Wuggy comes from the computer game “Poppy Playtime”. In this horror game, players are in a toy factory and have to fight against live, extremely vicious and creepy toys and escape from the factory. Huggy Wuggy is the leader of the creepy toy army that chases the players and scares them.
You might think the cuddly toy alone wouldn’t be a problem as long as kids don’t play the game to it. Unfortunately, however, this is a bit short of the mark. On the one hand, Huggy Wuggy is already suitable for scaring younger or more sensitive children because of the many, pointed teeth. The bigger problem, however, is that children are exposed to digital media at a very early age. Even if the children do not come into contact with the actual game: What the Internet has to offer about Huggy Wuggy is enough for nightmares. Indeed, online you can find creepy pictures in large numbers. On the popular video platforms there are not only Lets Play videos, but also videos in which Huggy Wuggy abruptly appears to scare people and spread fear. For children,this blending of a sweet fictional character with such a terrifying portrayal is difficult to understand and process.
Parents often find themselves in a difficult situation when the subject comes up at home Huggy Wuggy. They want to protect their children, but without looking like killjoys. Therefore, it is important to get well informed first: If you know what is behind the Huggy Wuggy phenomenon, you will be much better able to form your own opinion and discuss your concerns with your children.
Listen to your children’s concerns and questions, listen to their perspectives, and take an interest. Ask where the child knows the plush figure from, what they like about it, or what they already know about it. That way, you can stay in the conversation and be the point of contact when your child may have already seen content that frightens or unsettles him or her.
Nevertheless, take a clear and reasoned position and explain to your child why you might not want to buy the stuffed animal. An open and appreciative conversation can create understanding here – while prohibitions often only lead to children no longer talking about their experiences.
For more information about the Huggy Wuggy phenomenon, visit FLIMMO.
