Don't go too far: April Fool's Day pranks that are never funny
It's that time of the year again. Are you planning to pull off a prank on someone?
April Fool's Day is the day when everyone gets a free pass to make silly jokes, but it’s not uncommon for some people to take things too far.
We still remember the local takoyaki store Taragis’ “tattoo disaster” in 2024 that sparked outrage and debate, but was later revealed to be scripted. Another incident involved vloggers Jonel Catipsayan Cordero and Arnold Obidencio Rabi, who faced alarm and scandal charges in 2023 after the former pretended to drink gasoline. That same year, the YouTube channel Tukomi—run by Mark Lester San Rafael, Mark Hiroshi San Rafael, and Eleazar Stephen Fuentes—also faced alarm and scandal charges after posing as kidnappers.
Beyond these over-the-top pranks, some topics are simply too sensitive to joke about. If you plan to join the Fool’s Day fun, avoid pranks involving the following:
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a life-changing milestone, and while making fake announcements may appear harmless to some, it can be deeply insensitive to those who are struggling to conceive, coping with infertility, or grieving a pregnancy loss.
Mental health
Someone’s struggles are never a joke. People living with mental illness or other conditions often spend heavily on medications and counseling, while navigating challenges at work and within their families, all on top of societal stigma. Mocking their struggles only adds to the burden, which makes recovery even harder.
Terminal illness
Pretending to be someone who has a terminal illness, like cancer, as an April Fool’s joke is never okay. People facing these illnesses already struggle emotionally, mentally, and financially. Turning such a serious reality into a prank is not only distasteful, but it also trivializes what they are going through. It can cause unnecessary fear and anxiety for your family and loved ones, who may genuinely worry and panic.
Cheating on your partner
Getting cheated on is more than just a relationship challenge, it often leaves victims feeling hurt, confused, and questioning their self-worth. The emotional impact doesn’t stop there, as it can affect their trust in other people and future relationships. Joking about cheating on your partner to grab attention on social media for April Fool’s Day isn’t just insensitive—it can also cast a negative light on your relationship. Don’t play with your partner’s feelings.
Fake delivery bookings
Delivery riders brave heavy traffic and scorching heat just to bring your cravings to your doorstep. Pulling fake delivery pranks for a quick laugh doesn’t just waste their time; it directly affects their livelihood and forces them to shoulder the items, most especially the costly fuel expenses.
If you’re aiming for a harmless prank, consider ordering food for them instead. It’s a simple gesture that can make their day.
Sexual assault
ICYDK, nothing's funny about someone getting assaulted. On March 31, the Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development revealed that most pregnancies in girls under 15 are usually caused by statutory rape, where older men take advantage of their age and authority.
Survivors of sexual assault frequently carry the weight of trauma, struggling with painful and recurring memories long after the incident. Turning such experiences into jokes or pranks doesn’t just cross a line, it also underplays their pain.
Coming out
It's 2026, and someone's sexuality is no laughing matter. While we've made significant steps in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, many individuals still live in the closet, fearing judgment—or, in the worst cases, violence—which can take a serious toll on their mental health.
Making jokes about yourself or a friend coming out is insensitive and deeply hurtful. We all share a responsibility to foster a safer, more supportive environment for everyone.
You should also steer clear of pranks that can cause public alarm, such as bomb threats, fake disease outbreaks, and similar scares. Jokes should be harmless. If they cause fear or distress, it misses the point.
