Parents have been asked to not let their children watch terrifying TikTok videos of a killer teddy called "Huggy Wuggy".

Police have issued a warning after some kids were seen recreating the razor-toothed bear's actions on the playground.

Among others, "Huggy Wuggy" sings about "hugging and killing" and also asks those watching to "take their last breath".

The killer teddy has been compared with the "Killer Clown" craze from a few years ago.

The TikTok videos - which began as a puzzle game that sees Huggy stalking players in a toy factory - are said to be traumatising young children.

Chris Conroy, cyber protection officer for Dorset Police, told the Sun : "There are videos people have made, songs people have made, and it's popping up all over YouTube and Tik Tok using this quite graphic imagery of this bear-like character with razor sharp teeth.

"It's based around jump scares and things you certainly wouldn't want children exposed to."

As the game becomes more popular, officers warned that some children have been seen acting out the game at school and, for example, whispering disturbing lyrics to each other.

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".

Police have issued a warning about 'Huggy Wuggy' 

The 35-year-old said: "Kids want to play the games of Huggy Wuggy, they are talking about it in the playground.

"It's really frightening as a lot of parents will be oblivious to this level of violence our children are being exposed to."

Another parent added: "All the children are talking about it and showing each other these videos, it's become a bit of a craze that is getting really popular."

ONLINE SAFETY: POPPY PLAYTIME

Poppy Playtime is a horror/puzzle game which involves the player investigating an abandoned toy factory to solve the mystery of what happened.

The game does not appear to have any age restrictions however the developers have recommended for players age 8+.

It is available on PC via Steam and at a cost of £3.99 however there is free related content available on other platforms such as YouTube and TikTok as well as copycat versions available through Roblox and Minecraft. This is also only the first chapter and Chapter 2 is scheduled for release in 2022.

The game is designed to appeal to young children however some of the imagery may be frightening to them and the style of gameplay could increase feelings of anxiety or stress. The game isn’t gory but uses child friendly toys in frightening ways which could make young children scared of things they have previously felt comfortable with.

How can you help?

If you become aware of young children playing this game then:

• Reassure them they are safe
• Talk to them about what they have seen online and how this has made them feel
• Encourage open and non-judgemental discussions with young children about what they are seeing online to give reassurance that they can talk to you if they have seen something of concern
• Make parents aware of concerns so that they can monitor what their child can access at home

Useful Resources and Information

Parent Info – Article on Harmful Online Content
https://parentinfo.org/article/what-your-child-needs-to-know-about-harmful-content-online
Internet Matters – Dealing with inappropriate content https://www.internetmatters.org/issues/inappropriate-content/
NSPCC – Help with distressing online content
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/inappropriate-explicit-content/distressing-content/ 
This video on YouTube gives more information on Poppy Playtime.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1-RqyuX_18&t=38s