Michigan Parents Warned About Dangers of Huggy Wuggy

Police in Northern Michigan are warning parents about the dangers of an online character that can encourage children to commit violent acts on themselves and others. Huggy Wuggy is a blue-furred creature that originated from the 'Puppy Playtime' app which is an adult video game, despite its kid-friendly-sounding name.

Leaders in the Sault Ste. Marie school district say some of the actions encouraged by the online character have started to infiltrate the school system.

Huggy Wuggy is Not a Smurf

According to a joint statement released on Facebook by Wesley Bierling of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Department and Superintendent Amy Kronemeyer of the Sault Area Public Schools, the character encourages children to do dangerous and sometimes violent things.

“Huggy Wuggy demonstrates to children how to hug someone until 'they can no longer breathe,'" the statement says. "Huggy Wuggy convinces children that toys or objects are trying to cause harm. Some of the Huggy Wuggy videos depict alcohol and drug use as well as sexual assault and violence towards women."

The character can be found on YouTube, Tik Tok, and through various search engines. The statement goes on to encourage parents to pay close attention to the content their children are consuming online.

Facebook Comments Mixed

Many of the comments that accompanied the Facebook thread encouraged parents to simply monitor what their kids are viewing online. Others, however, noted that the character and its video game were never marketed toward children.

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