MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida urged parents to closely monitor their children’s online activities and called on the public to avoid sharing graphic or violent videos that could encourage copycat incidents and spread fear.
Vida issued the appeal following reports that extremist groups have been targeting minors who spend long hours on online gaming platforms.
“Please, exercise it with earnestness,” Vida said, urging parents to stay engaged with their children and talk to them about their online activities.
He said recruiters enter online group chats and target young people who frequently play violent games before mentoring and guiding them toward violent extremism.
“You know your children better. You know your kids better. Please, keep an eye on the kids,” Vida said.
The justice secretary also warned social media users against reposting graphic footage of violent incidents, saying such content could help perpetrators spread fear and potentially trigger copycat attacks.
“The real power here is the power of restraint,” Vida said. “Let’s not repost. Let’s restrain.”
Vida also called on the public and media to avoid amplifying graphic material involving violent incidents. He said minors caught in such situations should be treated as victims.
Asked whether online users could face consequences for sharing violent or graphic content, Vida said authorities were still studying the matter.
For now, he said individual restraint and responsible online behavior remain important in limiting the spread of violent material.
