Game Online Can Cause Depression in Your Child

Online Games Are Scary

Online games are often played daily by both children and adults. While gaming can be entertaining, parents must closely monitor their child’s gaming habits. Many people believe that video games can lead to depression. Although psychologists still debate this, there is a disturbing trend among young people involving a sinister “game” that has reportedly led to depression—and in some tragic cases—even suicide. As a nurse working with vulnerable kids, I find this deeply concerning.

“Believe nothing you hear, and only one half that you see.” — Edgar Allan Poe

A Dangerous Game for Children

One such example is the Momo Challenge, a viral “game” that has been spreading via WhatsApp. It targets children—even as young as five years old. The challenge involves adding a mysterious WhatsApp contact, represented by a disturbing profile image of a doll with bulging eyes and a beak-like mouth. Once contact is made, a person impersonating the character “Momo” begins issuing frightening and dangerous commands, including acts of self-harm or even suicide.

If the child refuses to comply, the character threatens them—claiming they will be found and hurt. These kinds of threats understandably lead to anxiety, fear, and a wide range of harmful emotions.

Online Games with Dark Plots and Challenges

For any parent, the existence of such challenges is deeply unsettling. That’s why it’s crucial to instill key values in children to help protect them. As cliché as it may sound, children must be taught never to talk to strangers—even online. The Momo Challenge is a harsh reminder that the digital world is not immune to the dangers of real life. Today, the rule of “don’t talk to strangers” applies just as much to online conversations as it does to real-world encounters.

Negative Online Games and Peer Pressure

Equally important is building a child’s self-esteem so they can resist peer pressure. It’s natural for kids to want to fit in with their friends. However, when raised in a loving, accepting environment that encourages honest self-expression, children are less likely to give in to harmful activities—even if encouraged by their social circle.

Regular communication is key. Talk to your children often. Let them know they can open up about their experiences and feelings without fear of judgment.

Recognizing Dark Online Game Activities

Parents and caregivers must also actively supervise their children’s online activities, especially those of younger children. Learn how to use privacy settings, block unwanted contacts, and monitor your child’s interactions. Teach your child how to take screenshots or document conversations that make them uncomfortable, and encourage them to share these with you. Report any suspicious behavior or threats to social media platforms immediately.

The Depressed Game: How to Talk to Your Child

It may also be helpful to sit down with your children and explain what the Momo Challenge is. Let them know that Momo is not real and should be avoided completely. While it’s natural to want to shield your child from disturbing content, providing them with age-appropriate information can empower them to protect themselves—especially when you’re not around.

Yes, this is an unsettling development in the online world, but with vigilance, guidance, and open communication, we can protect our young ones from dangerous online activities.