Experts urge responsible suicide reporting, warn on social media sharing

Colombo, June 16 (Daily Mirror) - Health professional Dr. Chathuriya has called on the public and media to refrain from sharing videos and content related to suicides on social media, warning that such actions can contribute to harmful social outcomes.

She said that during the COVID-19 period, the media played a key role in promoting positive public behavior and awareness, and expressed appreciation for those efforts. “The media helped shape good habits during the pandemic, and that contribution should continue in sensitive issues like this as well,” she said.

Veteran journalist Chandana Suriyabandara also emphasized that reporting on suicides requires extreme caution. He cautioned that some professionals involved in awareness campaigns may, at times, unintentionally overstep boundaries, which could lead to undesirable effects.

He urged journalists and media institutions to avoid sensationalizing or glorifying suicides and instead adopt responsible reporting practices focused on prevention and awareness.