Viral Toy ‘Lato-lato’: Helpful or Distracting?
By SHEENA MAE B. CUTAR
At first, it’s entertaining to hear the clacking sound of this incredibly popular children’s toy. However, when majority of the 2000 elementary students play this at once, it creates a loud distraction. The price of this popular toy, which is available from roadside vendors outside of Butuan Central Elementary School, ranges from Php 50 to 100 pesos each and comes in a variety of hues, patterns, and sparkles.
In the Philippines, it is commonly referred to as “Lato-lato” and is easily recognized by the two plastic balls attached to a thread. In order to play, participants would swing the balls up and down on the string, clacking against one another repeatedly.
Parents were ecstatic in the early months of this toy’s popularity since their kids could now handle lato-lato instead of electronic devices and cellphones. Additionally, Barangay Lato-Lato competitions took place during Fiestas and received a lot of online interest. On the other hand, their growing obsession with it could make them so dependent that they end up hurting their hands while playing and can’t fall asleep without their lato-lato.
According to Groovy History, before making it big in Indonesia, the toy first swung its way into the hands of American children in the late ’60s to the early ’70s. Due to the clacking sound they made and the risks associated with these toys, which were formerly known as “clackers,” they were labeled a “parent’s nightmare.” After the toy’s safety was questioned, it was eventually removed from the US market.
Since Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo was photographed playing with it in the latter part of last year, the toy has experienced a viral revival and has steadily found its way to our lovely country, Philippines.
My child’s safety is my top responsibility as a parent. My guiding concept is to exercise moderation in everything. For me, playing time is acceptable as long as boundaries are established, and the secret is to balance your time between GOD, play, household duties, and academic work. Lato-lato can be beneficial for my kid’s leisure time and can improve his focus and competitiveness, but it can also be harmful if it takes up most of his time and becomes an addiction. In order to help children use any toy they will soon love successfully, it is now our responsibility. ###
