MP Suggests Authorities to Educate The Public Not to Post Images or Videos of the Needy on Social Media

Social media has become a place where we’ve become used to sharing about our lives, and using our platforms to talk about or bring attention to certain issues.

As a result, some people may also hold the mindset that if you didn’t upload anything on social media about a certain issue, you can’t prove that you did a good deed or care for something.

To know more about this phenomenal, watch this video to the end:

Because sometimes, help is better done offline.

MP Urges Public To Be Careful About Uploading Photos Of The Needy

It’s not uncommon to encounter photos of the vulnerable and needy members of our society on social media, often posted by others who are trying to bring attention to their situation or rally for help.

While it’s done with good intentions, it may be time to step back and look at it from a different angle.

Remember The Online Citizen (TOC) and their feud with the Singapore Police Force?

Back in May, the news site had posted photos and videos of the police allegedly abusing an elderly woman with dementia, when they had just been giving her food.

When the woman’s interview with TOC was made public without her family members’ knowledge, her son’s request to take it down was rejected by them.

So on 2 Aug, Sun Xueling, the Minister of State for Social and Family Development (MSF), lay out her plans on assisting those in the community that need help, such as beggars and cardboard collectors.

Most of all, she stressed that the public should be cautious about taking photos and videos of these needy people to share on social media to alert others of their predicament.

Ms Denise Phua, who’s from Jalan Besar GRC, agreed with Ms Sun’s sentiments, saying that the videos and photos are usually taken without consent and that they don’t actually help the people in need.

It can also be somewhat disrespectful to them in certain cases, she added.

She proposed that the MSF educate the public “aggressively” against taking photos and videos of the needy without consent to share on social media.

“When you put up a video or you put up a photo, apart from the fact that you might be infringing on the privacy as well as confidentiality of the vulnerable person, sometimes you may be bringing unwanted attention to the vulnerable person,” Ms Sun added on.

Additionally, this may worsen the person’s familial relationships, which could very well also be the underlying cause for their situation in some cases.

Direct Them To Professional Aid Instead

Instead of showing your support through social media, there are other ways that you can help these people out in.

Members of the public who wish to lend a helping hand, among other things, can direct the needy person to the MSF’s social service offices for professional aid for maximum effectiveness.

Of the various schemes and initiatives the ministry has, it includes the Partners Engaging and Empowering Rough Sleepers network, where rough sleepers can be housed at overnight community shelters.

As for those who are looking for short-term housing and onsite intervention, they can go to transitional shelters funded by MSF.

Social workers will then assist them in facing social issues and finding stable long-term accommodation.

Social support systems like the Vulnerable-in-Community network are also available for tissue paper or cardboard sellers with various needs, including financial ones.

Ms Sun advised those who come across rough sleepers, cardboard collectors or tissue paper sellers in need to refer them to social service offices.

One can also call ComCare at 1800-222-0000.

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