DAVAO CITY – Mayor Sara Duterte has joined calls on responsible digital parenting by asking parents and guardians to monitor and check the online activities of their children amid the viral “Momo challenge” on social media.
“Parents should monitor unsa ang gina-tan aw sa ilang mga anak sa ilang gadgets (Parents should monitor what their children are watching in their gadgets),” the mayor said in an interview at the sidelines of the 82nd Araw ng Davao opening Friday night.
Sara said she came to know the “Momo challenge” issue from her daughter, who told her that it has been the topic of her classmates in school.
Sara said her daughter reported it to her teacher, who in turn advised students to only watch appropriate videos.
She said that while the government cannot regulate how people use their personal gadgets, the government can remind parents and guardians to keep tab on the online activities of their children.
The “Momo challenge” reportedly led to self-harm and suicide among several youngsters. In the Philippines, one case of suicide was reportedly linked to the online app.