Huggy Wuggy:
Although Huggy Wuggy seems like a cute teddy bear, he is actually a scary villain in MOB Games’ 2021 horror PC game Poppy Playtime. There is no Care Bear in the blue plush bear. He has rows of pointed teeth that show from his open mouth. Just the top of the iceberg, really.
- A game of survival called Poppy Playtime is set in an old toy factory. While Huggy Wuggy follows them, players must overcome challenges. While not meant for children, he has inspired other YouTubers to make versions of scary songs that are simple for kids to locate and watch online.
- You may have seen the rise in headlines about the Huggy Wuggy character from Poppy Playtime’s horror survival game. Similar to the Momo Challenge stories, this may come with a spooky blue figure with red lips and pointed teeth, as well as warnings regarding the disturbing or negative effects on youngsters.
Why Are Kids So Fond of Huggy Wuggy?
Children absorb fear differently, however, it is unclear why they enjoy Huggy Wuggy. It also means that some children find amusing, funny, and cool what other adults find threatening, for instance. Does this justify kids’ love for a sock puppet with pointed teeth? Maybe. However, there are situations when a toy or item’s appeal comes from the fact that our parents dislike it.
Where Do Children Come Across Huggy Wuggy?
Huggy Wuggy is being introduced to kids in a number of settings. Even though Playtime Poppy has a Common Sense Media classification of 12+, some kids have played it.
- The monster-bear combo has been featured in films on YouTube and TikTok, and some kids simply know about Huggy Wuggy because of the toy, which is available in gift stores around the nation and is frequently awarded as a carnival prize. Some kids have reportedly even copied Huggy Wuggy on the playground by playing it similarly to tag or another similar game.
Why Is Huggy Wuggy a Concern to People/Parents?
There is a lot of blood all around the factory, but there isn’t any explicit violence or gore, warns Common Sense Media in its parent’s advisory. Additionally, the game’s horror element will probably be too frightening for younger kids.
- In addition to the movies, such as Squid Game, Huggy Wuggy has entered the playground.
- According to Justine Brown, the head of Deal Parochial Primary School, “hugs should be seen as something kind and loving.” She stated as much in a letter to parents.
Adults’ Role in Helping
Parents were urged to use care by Brown, who noted that “children can become upset and confused by what they see.”
- Parents may learn valuable lessons from past phenomena like the 2019 Momo Challenge, which raised important discussions about online harassment, and the most recent Squid Game issue.
- Educate Yourself: Keeping up with every new social media site and app is challenging. However, experts agree that it’s crucial to be aware of your child’s usage.
- Ask about their thoughts: You may gain knowledge about your child’s thinking processes and affect the conversation by asking them open-ended questions about a game and what they know about it.
- Be in touch with your Children: Finding out that your child is viewing movies or acting out Huggy Wuggy on the playground might be concerning. However, you may use it as a starting point for a conversation with your kid to aid in their education. Use “I” pronouns while speaking, such as “I love you and I’m worried that this game could harm you and other people.” Treating others with respect is critical.
- Tell them you are there: These pictures might be frightening and disturbing. The possibility of more interactions is increased by letting them know that you understand and are always ready to speak with them.
Keeping kids secure
Parents and experts can better assist children by teaching them proper internet habits rather than scaring them away from specific risks like Momo or Huggy Wuggy.
- Children may succeed if an environment of openness and honesty regarding online use is provided. It’s important to check in with them if you observe them changing displays on their gadgets as you approach them or if you detect new phone numbers or email addresses on their devices.
- Play video games and watch YouTube in areas that the entire family may use. In video games, you may also impose limits on your friends’ access to user-generated material, which can include extensions with Poppy Playtime themes. Additionally, make sure Closed mode is on for your child’s account so that they cannot access this content.
- There are some nice alternatives to Poppy Playtime that are rated for younger audiences:
- (ESRB E FOR EVERYONE) Luigi’s Mansion
- Subnautica
- Costume Quest, and Obakeidoro all have ESRB ratings of E10+.
Playtime Poppy Age Rating
The game itself is a scary adventure that was created to excite and unnerve. According to PEGI and ESRB ratings, it is appropriate for 12 and 13-year-olds. This covers the ESRB’s Violence, Blood, and PEGI’s Moderate Violence and Horror descriptions.
The player’s character visits an old factory in this game, which the VSC Rating Board says “features a sense of threat and dread throughout.” A monster is chasing the player’s character through a series of dark air holes in one violent scene. A heavy box is placed onto a fantastical character in another scene, forcing it to fall from a height. The figure strikes some pipes, and blood appears on them as it drop.
Conclusion:
Huggy Wuggy isn’t the first possibly dangerous fad, and it won’t be the last either, which is unfortunate. Talking openly and honestly with your child can help them learn how to use the playground and online environment.
