We conducted an online safety review of the Poppy Playtime game last year. Due to allegations of online challenges and frightening content starring one of the game's most well-known characters, Huggy Wuggy, safety worries have again been rekindled.
Who is Huggy Wuggy?
In the PC horror game Poppy Playtime, the protagonist is an unidentified character who is looking into a mystery in an abandoned toy factory. You explore the factory as the player and gather VHS tapes to figure out what happened. In order to survive the "vengeful toys" left behind, you must solve riddles.
One of the game's most well-known and graphically unsettling characters is "Huggy Wuggy." As you strive to finish the game, a huge, terrifying blue creature actively follows you everywhere with bulging eyes, broad red lips, and lengthy limbs. He surprises you by appearing in the shadows to try to catch you. Huggy Wuggy has a huge, menacing grin on his face and will eat you if you are caught.
Huggy Wuggy Warnings
Despite the fact that Poppy Playtime was launched last year, Huggy Wuggy-related content has recently increased, and there have even been rumours of playground-style challenges centred on the character.
Recently, the Dorset Police Cyber Protection Officer issued a statement alerting parents about the prevalence of explicit fan-made films on websites like YouTube and TikTok.
Some made films combine music with animation in an effort to be unsettling and "scary." Jump-scare animations are seen in others. The videos can be seen on a number of well-known websites, namely YouTube and TikTok. On TikTok, the hashtag "huggy wuggy" has received over 2.9B views.
These movies frequently "slip through the net" of platform safety measures like content screening and age restrictions because of the character's name.
Additionally, according to police reports, several schools have witnessed kids acting out scenes in the playground while giving hugs and saying "nasty things" into the other person's ear. At this time, our researchers have not turned up any new information about these reports.
New Game Release Expected
A second edition of the game is allegedly going to be launched very soon, which could be one reason for the sudden rise in material and popularity. A new trailer, "teaser" films, and numerous fan-made YouTube videos examining the prospective alterations have all been posted.
New characters including Mommy Long Legs and Kissy Missy have been added, according to information provided by the developers. These new characters, like Huggy Wuggy, have allegedly "harmless" names that may sound child-friendly but could be distressing and disturbing to young viewers.
Our Top Tips for helping the child or young person in your care
Don't mention Huggy Wuggy or Poppy Playtime if your child hasn't addressed them. You might stimulate their interest, which might prompt them to look up the topic on platforms they might have access to.
When a youngster in your care mentions Huggy Wuggy, take a deep breath and keep your composure. It's possible that they overheard a chat at school or online; nevertheless, this does not imply that they have seen any content or have a complete grasp of Huggy Wuggy.
Inquire about the web stuff they like to consume and whether anything they have seen has ever offended or alarmed them or their friends.
Reassure them of their safety if they have observed anything disturbing. It's crucial that kids understand they can talk to you without worrying about being judged. Ask them to show you the movie or game if necessary, and if you have any concerns, use the proper reporting channels.
Think twice before sharing anything about Huggy Wuggy or Poppy Playtime that you find on social media or in the news. It might be more beneficial to privately distribute a reliable article with useful advice, such as through private messaging.
Teach kids the value of asking for help when they are worried or sad by using our Trusted Adult Resources.
It's crucial to talk to your child about expressing their feelings if they are experiencing nightmares or anxiety as a result of something they have watched. You may assist your youngster express complex feelings by using our emotions notebook.
To discover more about Poppy Playtime and to obtain our Safety Briefing, read our review of the game's online security measures.
For additional details on responding to challenges, see our article on online challenges.
Top Tip for Teachers and Safeguarding Professionals
Share this article and our resources with them if a parent or caregiver expresses worry about Huggy Wuggy or Poppy Playtime to help them understand and get more guidance.
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