Identify potential child-killers before they snap

• Source: Global Times
• [21:42 May 09 2010]
• Comments

PO: Has there been a copycat effect caused by media coverage of these killings?

Lu: It's reasonable for the public to feel that the over-exposure in the media have offered the attackers examples to follow. Yet we should not blame the media for promoting crime in the same way that we don't penalize kitchen knife sellers whose items may be used for criminal purposes.

But I do think the media should work on their self-restraint. When reporting, the media should both respect facts and consider carefully the impact giving details may have.

Deng: I think, instead of over-focusing on the details of how the crime was committed, more attention on the suffering of the victims and their families which can arouse public sympathy will serve just enough.

But it is unnecessary for the media to condemn themselves for encourage or teaching crimes, since criminals can learn it by any other means.

Besides, the media should encourage social awareness of security.