Should mum-influencer have posted daughter's tearful O-Level results day online? TODAY readers weigh in

Is it appropriate to use one’s child as fodder for internet fame? TODAY readers discussed this topic after a Singapore mum-influencer was criticised for posting a video of her daughter’s tearful response to her GCE O-Level results. 

Entrepreneur Sarah Cheng-De Winne later posted a follow-up video of her daughter, who clarified that she was not being used as "crying bait” and urged netizens to “mind their own business”.

This did little to convince some readers, who questioned if it is right to share a clip of the girl in a “sensitive moment” and if the girl had consented to being filmed. Many, however, defended Ms Cheng-De Winne for trying to be honest about her daughter’s results. Here’s a selection of comments:

‘SENSITIVE MOMENT’ 

“Used to be tiger mum, now TikTok mum. Which is worse?” ANH WENG

“Yes, she was saying this and that to encourage her daughter… but who can feel the sincerity of your concern if you’re holding a phone focused on your face while saying all this.” KEVIN JOHN

“Perhaps exploitation is too strong a word, but I definitely wouldn’t vlog my kid in front of the camera like that. It’s a tender and sensitive moment when the kid’s emotions are visible. Why would anyone want the public to see that?” CYNTHIA CHOI

“The biggest challenge for parents in this day and age is being present in the moment for the kids. Glad that the daughter is not holding it against her mum for doing that and hope the backlash makes the mother think twice before posting such sensitive stuff.” YOGEETHA RAJA

DID DAUGHTER CONSENT?

“All this for likes and views. Did she ask for her daughter's permission to put this up on her TikTok account?” JOE ADAM

“Daughter knows she is being filmed so guess it’s fine.” EUNICE LAI

“I think the message she wanted to get across was nice, but it could’ve been better if she had recorded it without her crying daughter in the background. Hope the student will be able to stand back up!” AFIQAH LATIFF

“Well, it really depends on how her daughter really feels about it. At worst, if she took it in a negative way, it could have really affected her mental health.” JON G SEOW

IN DEFENCE OF MUM

“She was just filming the whole process for her husband (and other family members)... I watched the clip and although she is upset that she (daughter) didn’t do well, the mum is just telling her that the results do not mean the end of the world.” ROLAND CHUA

“I was disappointed that there are so many people who don’t know Sarah and what her social channel represents, but are so quick to pass judgement… I genuinely believe people benefit from seeing how the family interacts and connects… even (through) the tough situations they face.” ADELINE ONG FANG

“The message is quite positive though. It doesn't end with the result; it carries on to reflection… If she only shared good news and not the bad, it might send the wrong message.” YR TAN

“Yes, her daughter doesn’t get the result she wants but she didn’t sugarcoat it, instead reminding everyone that you are beyond your results.” RYUU DJINN

These comments were first posted on TODAY’s Facebook page. They have been edited for clarity, accuracy and length. If you have views on this issue or a news topic you care about, send a letter to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number.