Enhancing Suicide Reporting Guidance and Safeguards Amid Rise in Imitative Behaviours with Social Media Algorithmic Amplification

Mr David Hoe asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the Government has assessed if existing guidance and safeguards on suicide reporting remain sufficient, amid the rise of non-mainstream media and algorithmic amplification on social media, and in light of evidence noted by the World Health Organisation that media reporting influences imitative behaviour; and (b) whether stronger measures can be considered.

Mrs Josephine Teo: Suicide cases are distressing incidents that affect individuals and communities profoundly. Any media reporting should be done sensitively and responsibly to discourage imitative behaviour and avoid compounding the trauma of the parties involved. In their reporting, the media has also put in place a practice to include mental health helplines and resources for those facing distress.

Our mainstream media have been largely responsible and sensitive in reporting suicide cases. The Ministry of Digital Development and Information will continue to engage and work closely with the media to ensure responsible reporting of such cases.

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) Code of Practice for Online Safety – Social Media Services requires designated social media services to put in place systems and processes to minimise users’ exposure to harmful content, including suicide and self-harm content, on their platforms. In addition, under the Social Media Services Code, designated social media services must actively offer relevant safety information, such as local suicide prevention hotlines, to users who use high-risk search terms on their platforms, such as terms relating to suicide and self-harm. IMDA can also direct social media services to disable Singapore users' access to content advocating or instructing on suicide on their platforms.

We will continue to monitor and update our efforts, where relevant.