CALL IT Gary Ridgway
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bedok Reservoir
SINGAPORE: With the spate of deaths at Bedok Reservoir over the past five months, the media coverage of these incidents has come under the spotlight.
Some residents living near the reservoir told Today that they were concerned about copycat behaviour arising from media reports, even as others reiterated the need for the media to report these cases because of public interest.
Both canteen stall operator Loh Ah Lian, 62, and senior technician Mano, 60, felt the media should refrain from reporting on the cases so as not to put ideas into people’s heads.
But human resource manager Alice Tan, 48, pointed out that if the media do not report these cases, which took place at a public area, there will be speculation.
"I would prefer to be informed of these happenings, especially when I’m living in the area," she added.
Concurring, Institute of Techical Education student Naufal Sallehin, 19, felt that with the prevalence of citizen journalism, it was important for the media to provide accurate information on these cases — apart from informing people what are the signs to look out for in friends or family members who need help.
In June, the lower half of a Chinese national’s body was found in Bedok Reservoir. Two months later, a woman and her three—year—old son were found in the reservoir.
Both cases are believed to be suicides.
Last month, the body of an Indian construction worker who had worked nearby was found, followed by that of an elderly Chinese woman.
Two men were also saved from drowning in the reservoir last month — one had reportedly suffered an accident and survived, the other is believed to have been attempting suicide.
Police have classified the cases as unnatural deaths and investigations are ongoing.
Journalistic guidelines
Research studies have shown a correlation between media reports on suicide cases and a heightened tendency for suicidal people to follow the act.
For instance, between 1984 and 1987, journalists in Vienna covered extensively the deaths of individuals who jumped in front of trains in the subway system and there was an increased number of people ending their lives in that manner.
In 1987, a campaign was started to alert journalists to the possible negative effects of their reports and suggested alternative strategies for coverage. Over the next six months, subway suicides and non—fatal attempts dropped by more than 80 per cent.
Around the world, there are guidelines on media coverage of suicide cases.
In Hong Kong, for example, its journalists’ association has recommended that such news should not be published on the front page unless the reporting involves public interest.
Other guidelines include avoiding large font headlines, mention of the method involved and romanticising the deaths.
Media consultant P N Balji, who has more than 25 years of journalism experience, felt that the media coverage of the deaths in Bedok Reservoir has been "quite sombrely". But he noted that the reports on the prayer session held there on Saturday — which was carried on the front page of some national dailies here — was "kind of dramatised".
Mr Balji added: "The issue is that the media have to report (an incident). The big question is how you report it and not alarm the public."
Psychiatrist Nelson Lee felt the media coverage on these incidents may have induced copycat behaviour. Said Mr Lee: "Some people may think it is a good way to do it or some people may see it as a way to get back at someone because they think their deaths will be publicised."
Counsellors and Members of Parliament (MPs) Today spoke to reiterated that there are many avenues for troubled individuals to seek help.
Touch Family Services director Arthur Ling said: "Suicide doesn’t solve problems. In fact, it can add a problem to those who are left behind by leaving it to them."
Marine Parade GRC MP Seah Kian Peng noted that most people "would go through difficult periods in our lives".
He said: "It is important to know that there are various agencies to help one out. One should always resort to these agencies and see their MPs. I’m sure every MP will do what they can to help them and point them in the right direction."
—
