CEBU City Councilor Niña Mabatid has a point in asking for a media ban on stories concerning suicides.
We all know that suicides are contagious. People with tendencies who hear about them get the feeling that they can also follow suit, since someone out there somewhere has succeeded.
Although we respect the freedom of the press, I think the press should also be sensitive to the families of victims and those who are depressed. Media should allow space for families to grieve and respect people’s privacy.
To give graphic details of every suicide only demonstrates an utter lack of respect for human life. It confirms our suspicions that media can oftentimes behave like a vulture. (By Inting Villanueva, Cebu City)