Earlier quoted context omitted.
It's interesting how the Werther-effect has been a topic for speculation, and even governmental action, for literally centuries, yet we don't seem to be any closer to acknowledging it, if it's actually a thing, or coming to any solid conclusions as what to do about if it actually is a thing. It's also kind of weird how in the English-language sphere it's apparently only known/relevant for "copycat suicide" [0], when…
You could look to the UK for examples of action being taken specifically around suicide. Broadcasters have self-imposed guidelines that they follow. The regulators are aware of these guidelines and the need for them. Journalist unions have created a set of guidelines that attempt to balance freedom to report with the need to protect the public. (For something more specific: when you report someone has died in a publi…
But taking actions alone is not really a good indicator for how effective these actions actually are, particularly on such complex socioeconomic topics like suicide where most likely a whole slew of factors play a role.
So while one could look at the UK, what's missing there is something to compare it to, as just comparing to other countries alone doesn't really say much about how much these actions actually factor in the differences.
> On your wider point, all our broadcasters are aware of "imitative acts" and so they're very careful when showing children doing violent or dangerous things.
Is that also why a Star Trek episode, that mentioned Irish unification as an example of "terrorism working", had that scene cut from being broadcast on UK TV? [0]
Those are the kind of consequences where the waters suddenly become very murky: Most people would probably agree with protecting vulnerable populations from something like suicide. But what if that logic is extended to trying to protect even not so vulnerable populations from the "wrong ideas"?
[0] https://www.irishpost.com/news/star-trek-the-next-generation...