Think before posting elderly online, Welfare Ministry to public

Government has warned against filming and sharing videos of vulnerable elderly people on social media, urging members of the public to report welfare concerns to Social Welfare officers instead.

The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection said recent viral videos showing elderly people in hardship and appealing for public assistance did not present the full picture.

Welfare assessments confirmed those featured were already known to Social Welfare services and receiving Government assistance and other forms of support.

It said some of the elderly people filmed were reportedly unaware they were being recorded or that their personal circumstances would be shared publicly.

The ministry said while it had raised these concerns, many Facebook users praised those who assisted the elderly people featured in the videos.

It reminded content creators, social media administrators and members of the public to obtain informed consent before publishing material involving vulnerable people and to ensure information shared was accurate and in their best interests.

"Social media should be used to promote awareness and support, not to exploit vulnerability or compromise human dignity," the ministry said.

The ministry said Social Welfare officers were best placed to assess the needs of vulnerable people, verify their circumstances and connect them with appropriate support services.

It also highlighted that Government programmes, including the Social Pension Scheme and other social protection initiatives, were designed to support—not replace—the responsibility of families and communities to care for older people.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran reminded families that caring for elderly relatives remained a shared responsibility.

"Older people deserve to live with dignity, security and respect. Caring for our elderly loved ones is first and foremost a family and community responsibility," she said.

Ms Kiran said while Government assistance played an important role, it could not replace the compassion, attention and care families should provide.

The ministry said it would continue working with families, communities, faith-based organisations and civil society groups to protect the rights, dignity, safety and wellbeing of older people.