A fresh warning has been issued to parents over the 'sinister' Huggy Wuggy character.
Videos of the 'killer teddy' are being shared on the likes of YouTube and TikTok and because it's a children's based name and character, it appears to be slipping through some parental controls on devices.
Branded the online version of the killer clown craze, the character, which sings about 'hugging and killing' and asks viewers to 'take their last breath', has left some youngsters traumatised.
Reports of children mimicking the character in the school playground first emerged earlier this year, with police issuing a warning of the 'bear-like character with razor sharp teeth', who is actually a monster from an adult horror game Poppy Playtime.
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Now mental health campaigners have spoken out, issuing a warning which has been shared by a number of schools across Greater Manchester.
The Suicide Awareness and Mental Health Initiative (SAMHI) said: "Parents are being urged not to let their children watch terrifying TikTok and YouTube videos of the killer teddy.
"The bear sings about 'hugging and killing' and asks those watching to 'take their last breath'. Police have issued a warning over the character after some kids have been seen recreating the bear's actions on the playground.
"One line says 'I could hug you here forever, til you breathe your last breath together'. It continues 'My teeth sharp and ready, in my grasp, yeah they're deadly'. The blue bear also invites people to 'lean in for a spine-breaking embrace'."
Bolton Parish Church C of E Primary School is among those to issue the warning to parents, saying: "School has been made aware of a new potential safeguarding concern involving a character called Huggy Wuggy. This character is from a Horror Survival Game (Poppy Playtime) which is age rated 12 by PEGI. This includes descriptors for Moderate Violence and Horror from PEGI (age ratings for games).
"There is also a lot of related content created on TikTok and YouTube that feature the game characters in unsettling scenarios. One of these videos included a song, Free Hugs, with lyrics “Cause I could just hug you here. Forever, forever. Till you breathe your last breath.”
It added: "As this is a child's based name and character it has appeared to slip through some parental controls on devices. Please be vigilant with your computer/tablet settings at home and continue monitoring your child's access when on these devices."
St Mary's CE Primary School in Rochdale shared a similar warning, alongside an information poster from National Online Safety about inappropriate content.
It said: "Creepy characters like Slender Man or Huggy Wuggy. Dangerous online challenges. Songs or videos that aren’t suitable for youngsters. When things like these begin trending online, it can be difficult to prevent children accidently stumbling across them – especially if they use a range of platforms, like online games, social media, streaming sites or messaging apps. Get the facts below."
Safer Schools NI has issued a number of tips to help parents deal with the issue
- If your child hasn’t mentioned Huggy Wuggy or Poppy Playtime, don’t name it. You may pique their curiosity which in turn could lead to them searching out the content for themselves on platforms they might have access to.
- If you hear a child in your care mention Huggy Wuggy, pause and remain calm. It could be that they have overheard conversation about in school or online, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have viewed content or have a full understanding of who Huggy Wuggy is.
- Ask them about the content they enjoy watching online, and if anything they’ve seen has ever made them or their friends upset or scared.
- If they have seen anything upsetting, reassure them that they are safe. It’s important children know they can come and speak to you without fear of judgement. If necessary, ask them to show you the video or game, and follow appropriate reporting procedures if you are concerned.
- If you see content on social media or in the news regarding Huggy Wuggy or Poppy Playtime, think before you share it publicly. It may be more helpful to share a credible article with practical advice privately, e.g. through private messaging.
- Use our Trusted Adult Resources to teach young people about the importance of seeking help if something worries or upset them.
- If your child is having nightmares or is anxious about something they’ve watched, it’s important to have a conversation about expressing their feelings. You can use our emotions journal to help your child express complex emotions.
- Read our Online Safety Review of Poppy Playtime to learn more about the game and download our Safety Briefing.
- Refer to our Online Challenges article for more information on responding to challenges.
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