They say sky’s the limit when having fun, but there are certain limitations to what we can poke fun at. 

From outrageously witty business promos to showbiz updates that’s seemingly straight out of an alternate universe, jokes and pranks, as usual, came aplenty on April Fool’s Day– celebrated annually and worldwide on the first of April.

While it is completely normal to have some laughs and entertainment through funny pranks, there are accepted limits that must be observed in order not to cross a line, and avoid the risk of insensitively hurtful humor.  

“First, of course, (it is) necessary to avoid jokes or pranks that will affect the physical aspect of a person, or things of economic importance especially kung hindi na kayang ibalik,” reminded Audrey Garin, a mental health and social justice advocate from Noveleta, Cavite. 

“Dapat hindi rin offensive or malicious in a way that it will be mentally degrading,” said Garin. 

These jokes are meant to induce feel-good emotions and laughter, not anxiety and humiliation. 

“For example, joking about someone’s physical or mental disability, sexual identity and other pressing issues that are grounded on discrimination/stigma,” she noted. 

Other topics that must not be made fun of, according to the 25-year-old Cavitena, are “feelings if there are fragile relationships or vulnerabilities involved; loss/damage of life; one’s source of income; as well as those that may cause public panic such as bomb jokes.”

It is important that we take these limits seriously and as non-negotiables. At the end of the day, it is unnecessary to pull off tricks at the expense of causing negative emotional distress to family and friends– something we ourselves don’t want to be at the receiving end of. 

“When we join the April Fools bandwagon, number one in mind is wala tayong matatapakang tao sa gagawin natin. (Because) it might touch on sensitive nerves and ignite conflict instead of making people smile,” she added.

Why are these reminders important? Audrey said it’s all about individual awareness of our own actions, especially those that can possibly affect people within our circles.

“Not all the time, people are capable of taking a joke as it is, especially (jokes) where life is at stake. It will take a toll on one’s mental health which may result in stress and sadness– worse if mental disorders such as depression and anxiety,” she remarked. 

She also reminded that these pranks are not immune from legal action, as there could be serious legal consequences should an aggrieved party file a complaint. 

“Yes, there could be legal consequences on this. One can be criminally liable for libel, unjust vexation, malicious mischief, even estafa, and worse, other crimes against national security in doing such pranks. So ingat talaga before doing them,” noted Audrey, a Psychology graduate and who’s currently a law student.

“In this environment where mental health is still being stigmatized, we should not be a part of the reasons that it stays like that. Imbes na pausad, nagiging paurong pa,” she reminded.