What Parents Need To Know About Huggy Wuggy and the Poppy Playtime Game Taking Over Elementary Schools
Here we go again. Just when we got past the dangerous milk crate challenge, the illegal slap a teacher challenge, and the alarming Squid Game-to-playground game adaptation, there's a new trend for parents to keep an eye on.
The inspiration comes from a game character with a seemingly innocent name, "Huggy Wuggy." It may make you think of the rhyme about the bear "Fuzzy Wuzzy." But it's the goal of the game and disturbing social media videos that have parents raising eyebrows and school officials sending notes home.
Here's what parents should know about the game, where kids may be exposed to it, and what you can—and can't—do about it.
What Is Huggy Wuggy?
Huggy Wuggy sounds like a cuddly teddy bear. But the monster is actually an evil villain in the 2021 horror PC game Poppy Playtime by MOB Games. The blue stuffed bear is no Care Bear. When he opens his mouth, he has rows of sharp teeth. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Poppy Playtime is a game of survival set in an abandoned toy factory. Players must solve puzzles while Huggy Wuggy hunts them. He has inspired multiple YouTubers to create parodies of creepy songs, that, while not intended for children, are easy for kids to find and watch online.
Where Are Kids Getting Exposed to Huggy Wuggy?
Deal Parochial Primary School in the U.K. recently sent a letter home to parents warning them that kids were offering to hug classmates and whispering vulgar things in their ears.
How do kids know about Huggy Wuggy in the first place? After all, your elementary school child may not have access to or play Poppy Playtime. But kids are still seeing videos of the monster-bear hybrid on YouTube and TikTok. YouTube has parental control options, but the Deal Parochial Primary School fears the videos aren't getting filtered because "Huggy Wuggy" is a cute name.
The videos aren't cute, though. Some feature TikTokers making fan art with fan parody songs playing in the background. Others show creepy images, like Huggy Wuggy and his knife-like teeth racing towards the camera.
Why Are People Concerned About Huggy Wuggy?
Deal Parochial Primary School said the videos were upsetting children.
Common Sense Media cautions parents, "While there's no graphic violence or gore, there are splatters of blood throughout the factory. Also, the horror nature of the game will likely be too scary for younger audiences."
Aside from the videos, like Squid Game, Huggy Wuggy has made its way to the playground.
"It is a very deceiving character, as hugs should be seen as something kind and loving," wrote Deal Parochial Primary School head Justine Brown in her letter to parents.
How Adults Can Help
Brown asked parents to remain vigilant, reminding them, "children can become upset and confused by what they see."
Parents can use expert advice from previous trends, like the 2019 Momo Challenge, which prompted necessary discussions about cyberbullying, and the recent Squid Game controversy.
- Educate yourself. It's hard to keep up with every new social media platform and app. But experts share it's important to know what your child is using.
- Get their opinions. Asking your child open-ended questions about what they know of a game and their thoughts on it can give you a glimpse into their thought process and help you shape the conversation.
- Communicate with your child. It can be alarming to learn that your child is watching videos or replicating Huggy Wuggy on the playground. But you can use it as a prompt to speak with your child and help them learn. Use "I" statements, such as, "I love you, and I'm concerned that this game could hurt you and others. It's so important to treat others with respect."
- Let them know you're there. These images can be scary and confusing. Telling them that you understand that and letting them know you're always available to talk leaves the door open for future conversations.
Unfortunately, Huggy Wuggy isn't the first potentially harmful trend, and it won't be the last. Open and honest conversations with your child can help them navigate the digital space and playground.
Comments (19)
i came from that news who did extremally poorly explaining this game is, i think parents should leave their kids alone and embrace it, like i grew up with a horror game getting a lot of popularity. Sure i got scared but i like the horror and i appreciate it that i would made fan art, inspired to make my own story or a horror story, it turn on my creativity, etc. Tip to parents: Don't use Facebook to see what's going on cause its not going to get you up to date. Teens and kids don't use that app that more of your old time thing were not into, i suggest tik tok, Instagram, and also if your child is for example making a creepy looking character from a game, if they arnt expressing their like of a horror in a violent way then its completely fine
Read Morefisrt of all its not the games fault its the youtubers on youtube kids they make kids see him as a scary gruesome monster even though he is but they make the videos kid friendly at first then in the video puts on a darker tone and putting blood in the videos. on the weekends i got blamed for grabbing a huggy wuggy doll and my baby brother saw it he knows what it is because before he had regular youtube he would watch kid stuff then as time went on he would watch stuff like poppy playtime videos like people playing the game and watching fnaf videos and sonic.exe videos. when i went to the store i found a huggy wuggy doll and i was showing it to my siblings then my baby brother saw it then he wanted it long story short i got in trouble.
Read MoreOk let me voice my opinion on this and why I have a problem with this entire post. First thing is first you as a parent have every right to be concerned you have every right to parent the way you think is best. However, it is clear to me you misunderstand everything about this game. Yes, it much like FNAF are marked eight and up however if you actually read it there is no secret it is a HORROR game with elements that are not all the way kid friendly. I saw your interview on Fox News and that was the worse place to go to because they didn't even call it the right name which I see you know is actually called "Poppy Playtime". It is also clear to me you have not played a single second of this game not once does Huggy Wuggy ever whisper any sort of creepy song Huggy DOES not speak whatsoever. You also missed that this entire song you're referring to and the images you used they are fan made it isn't a song from the official game. #TryHardNinja made it strictly for an entertainment purpose. They even mentioned it is strictly entertainment. As a parent I would hope you know by now that this song was taken and made into a Tik Tok song and also as a parent I would hope you know how excessive Tik Tok can be and honestly it doesn't have a kid mode so in truth kids shouldn't even be looking at it because it is literally random, and you will never know what is on there. I can only give the benefit of the doubt from the time you made this post you actually looked at the game to understand what Huggy Wuggy actually is. What's funny is the biggest misconception is all these "platforms" they actually could care less about what it is you have to say it if it is crazy enough and idiodic enough they are going to run the story. It boils down to the number one thing MONITOR WHAT YOUR KIDS ARE LOOKING AT AND MAKE SURE YOU DO YOUR FULL RESEARCH BEFORE MAKING A CRAZY POST LIKE THIS. Not to mention if all these platforms like Youtube, Tik Tok, etc....are doing their job with their rules and guidelines then as much as parents won't admit it it actually comes down to being their fault. The internet is a very dangerous place if you just let your child do whatever. I truthfully don't and will never understand what is so hard about not giving your child such a wide range of freedom with the internet.
Read MoreOk let me voice my opinion on this and why I have a problem with this entire post. First thing is first you as a parent have every right to be concerned you have every right to parent the way you think is best. However, it is clear to me you misunderstand everything about this game. Yes, it much like FNAF are marked eight and up however if you actually read it there is no secret it is a HORROR game with elements that are not all the way kid friendly. I saw your interview on Fox News and that was the worse place to go to because they didn't even call it the right name which I see you know is actually called "Poppy Playtime". It is also clear to me you have not played a single second of this game not once does Huggy Wuggy ever whisper any sort of creepy song Huggy DOES not speak whatsoever. You also missed that this entire song you're referring to and the images you used they are fan made it isn't a song from the official game. #TryHardNinja made it strictly for an entertainment purpose. They even mentioned it is strictly entertainment. As a parent I would hope you know by now that this song was taken and made into a Tik Tok song and also as a parent I would hope you know how excessive Tik Tok can be and honestly it doesn't have a kid mode so in truth kids shouldn't even be looking at it because it is literally random, and you will never know what is on there. I can only give the benefit of the doubt from the time you made this post you actually looked at the game to understand what Huggy Wuggy actually is. What's funny is the biggest misconception is all these "platforms" they actually could care less about what it is you have to say it if it is crazy enough and idiodic enough they are going to run the story. It boils down to the number one thing MONITOR WHAT YOUR KIDS ARE LOOKING AT AND MAKE SURE YOU DO YOUR FULL RESEARCH BEFORE MAKING A CRAZY POST LIKE THIS. Not to mention if all these platforms like Youtube, Tik Tok, etc....are doing their job with their rules and guidelines then as much as parents won't admit it it actually comes down to being their fault. The internet is a very dangerous place if you just let your child do whatever. I truthfully don't and will never understand what is so hard about not giving your child such a wide range of freedom with the internet.
Read MoreTo all the people out there the game is 8+ also this is not the first violent horror game reaching a popularity that even kids see. Games such as fnaf and ddlc have a main focus on death. Yes you heard me right DEATH. I am on the contrary to this atricle that is ridiculous. Its even more stupid that jake paul's knollege. This is proof that we have gone too soft to the point where the police is involved. Be glad this isnt another 2014 slenderman stabbing type situation or the 2019 momo challenge. Come at me i dare you all. Most facts on this article arnt even true.
Read MoreTo all the people out there the game is 8+ also this is not the first violent horror game reaching a popularity that even kids see. Games such as fnaf and ddlc have a main focus on death. Yes you heard me right DEATH. I am on the contrary to this atricle that is ridiculous. Its even more stupid that jake paul's knollege. This is proof that we have gone too soft to the point where the police is involved. Be glad this isnt another 2014 slenderman stabbing type situation or the 2019 momo challenge. Come at me i dare you all. Most facts on this article arnt even true.
Read MoreThis is what YouTube for kids is for. It clearly states that its a horror game but it doesn't have anything to do with whispering to each other of icky things or dangerous stuff while hugging. What about TikTok, seriously, this is what is giving Huggy Wuggy/Poppy Play Time a bad name. Got a problem with these games, then what your children and use common sense and use Kids YouTube and stop whining about something you could've controlled and next time, actually watch the game videos or don't say anything at freaking all.
Read MoreThis is what YouTube for kids is for. It clearly states that its a horror game but it doesn't have anything to do with whispering to each other of icky things or dangerous stuff while hugging. What about TikTok, seriously, this is what is giving Huggy Wuggy/Poppy Play Time a bad name. Got a problem with these games, then what your children and use common sense and use Kids YouTube and stop whining about something you could've controlled and next time, actually watch the game videos or don't say anything at freaking all.
Read MoreThis is what YouTube for kids is for. It clearly states that its a horror game but it doesn't have anything to do with whispering to each other of icky things or dangerous stuff while hugging. What about TikTok, seriously, this is what is giving Huggy Wuggy/Poppy Play Time a bad name. Got a problem with these games, then what your children and use common sense and use Kids YouTube and stop whining about something you could've controlled and next time, actually watch the game videos or don't say anything at freaking all.
Read MoreOk, Imma have to add my opinion on to this situation, because while yes, I see some of the issues parents have, I think there's a misunderstanding. Firstly, this site states that the character Huggy Wuggy sings lines about death. Let me make it clear THAT HE DOES NOT. It's from a FAN SONG, it's NOT OFFICIAL, he NEVER ACTUALLY SAYS ANY OF THAT IN THE GAME. Secondly, Breaking news: IT'S A HORROR GAME, HOW IS THAT A SURPRISE. THE ENTIRE PURPOSE OF THE CHARACTER IS THAT IT'S FROM A HORROR GAME. It's not the game's fault that kids are into it, it released as a horror game about killing and death, and then kids became attracted to the memorable antagonist, THERE. Stop making such a huge deal out of absolutely nothing. I get that it's a concern for the kids, but that's NOT THE GAME'S FAULT, AND YOU CAN'T USE A SONG MADE BY A FAN AS EVIDENCE AGAINST IT
Read MoreAs a parent learn the word no, it is a complete sentence and children will not die from hearing the word. Don't let them play the game. Blaming a game for your children's action is irresponsible. Don't blame a game because you can't say no.
I disagree with previous reply. You are absolutely correct it was a game made for adults, although I also believe it was messed up and not a coincidence that the game maker exclusively used a toy and a toy factory, our problem is not with the video game. It does not seem like you are a parent understanding our problem, we are worried that people are changing the words to the songs and titles of videos to target younger audience , my children still watch Ryan’s world and ran into HUGGY WUGGY on kids YouTube. We are all just here to help understand what he is as most of us don’t play the game and learn how to best help our children stray away from watching these videos as it’s something that can affect their psych and development negatively. Adults are allowed to play whatever they want
It IS the games fault. Whoever you are I’m guessing you don’t have children. This is to target children if the designers of this game cared anything about our children they would have though twice about and addictive scary game targeting children
Ok, Imma have to add my opinion on to this situation, because while yes, I see some of the issues parents have, I think there's a misunderstanding. Firstly, this site states that the character Huggy Wuggy sings lines about death. Let me make it clear THAT HE DOES NOT. It's from a FAN SONG, it's NOT OFFICIAL, he NEVER ACTUALLY SAYS ANY OF THAT IN THE GAME. Secondly, Breaking news: IT'S A HORROR GAME, HOW IS THAT A SURPRISE. THE ENTIRE PURPOSE OF THE CHARACTER IS THAT IT'S FROM A HORROR GAME. It's not the game's fault that kids are into it, it released as a horror game about killing and death, and then kids became attracted to the memorable antagonist, THERE. Stop making such a huge deal out of absolutely nothing. I get that it's a concern for the kids, but that's NOT THE GAME'S FAULT, AND YOU CAN'T USE A SONG MADE BY A FAN AS EVIDENCE AGAINST IT
Read MoreNo lies detected thank you so much for saying this because I agree 1000% percent.
I see your point, but it's misleading, especially when originally it was rated 8 & up.
I’ll be honest, this game really isn’t that bad. I’m a pretty paranoid parent. My child gets no social media (including child ones), is not allowed to use Tik Tok and can’t watch kids YouTube without a parent present. But I promise, there’s no gore or inappropriate material with this game. But yes, it is scary/suspenseful.
The game is a horror game and it’s marketed that way. There’s no secret that your character is exploring an abandoned factory and there is a monster. We knew going in that it was scary. My son is 8 and wanted to play and when it got too scary he turned it or just the music off. He’s scared of everything so we already have a system as a precaution. I sat with him and even helped him beat some puzzles. He was encouraged to not play if it was too scary but after a while he got over it and has completed it a number of times.
Long story short, it’s just a game and it’s not “taking over” elementary schools. Kids either play it or they don’t. They know it’s scary, that’s the entire point. So if your kid has trouble with horror and monsters or is younger than 8, maybe don’t let them play. It is probably way. too difficult for younger kids to play anyway.
Read MoreDo you recommend talking to our kids about things like this if they don’t yet know about them or waiting to see if they find out and then going from there?
Read MoreDid you get any feedback on that question because I have same question? If I bring it up to my kid, they might go looking for it.