Are you interested in one week's work placement in The Irish Times? Transition Year students can learn first-hand about the workings of this newspaper if their submission is published in Media Scope's weekly Over to You column. Just send us a 200-word piece on a media-related topic.
Calum Warren, Salesians College, Celbridge, Co Kildare
With one of the highest percentages worldwide, Ireland's biggest cause of unnatural death is suicide. In the last two years alone the figures have reached 1,000 deaths.
In both 1998 and 1999 the number of deaths by suicide exceeded the number of road deaths by 14 per cent. While we hear every day in the media of victims of road accidents, we fail to hear of the numerous reports of suicides.
In many cases suicides are unreported by the media. In August, an increase of four deaths on the half-yearly report on road deaths was deemed headline news. Whereas the ever-spiralling number of suicides goes unmentioned.
Suicide is a growing issue that must be dealt with. It is an issue that is brushed under the carpet and when brought up in conversation; the subject is quickly changed and the weather is discussed.
Unsurprisingly, men dominate these two-year figures, with 83 per cent of the total number of deaths. This indicates that, in these days of the booming "tiger economy" men are still leading stressful, lonely, and unhappy lives.
Angela Egan, St Joseph and St Sarans, Ferbane, Co Offaly
As we all know, most rights in life are closely accompanied by a little friend called responsibility. Yes, we've all heard of it - but these days one would wonder if anyone has bothered to introduce themselves to it.
Tabloid newspapers are the prime perpetrators of this snubbing of responsibility. Sure, they have a right to freedom of speech, and to give the public the truth "warts and all". These rules are laid down in our democracy - but how far do they really have the right to go? How far can they dig into people's lives before their right and even duty to investigate, research and tell their stories changes into the responsibility to stop before getting too personal.
These days, their privileges and rights bring with them the responsibility to be truthful, sensitive and accurate. Newspapers must tell it as it is and avoid sensationalism. Pictures taken by hidden cameras and over-the-top inaccurate articles are printed to catch people's attention and sell newspapers. However, well researched, accurately investigated reports can also be eye-catching and more stimulating. Remember, with every right comes responsibility.
Write to media scope by posting your comments to Newspaper in the Classroom, The Irish Times, 11-16 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, or faxing them to (01) 679 2789. Be sure to include your name, address and school, plus phone numbers for home and school. Or you can use the Internet and e-mail us at mediapage@irishtimes.ie
media scope is a weekly media studies page for use in schools. Group rates and a special worksheet service (see `faxback', right) are available: FREEPHONE 1800-798884.
media scope is edited by Harry Browne.
