Schoolgirl, 16, kills herself after 69% of Instagram followers told her to do so when she asked them in online poll
The death of Davia Emilia, 16, in Sarawak, eastern Malaysia, has sparked a debate about mental health in the country
A SCHOOLGIRL has killed herself after posting a poll on Instagram asking if she should die or not – before 69 per cent of users who responded voted she should.
Davia Emilia, 16, jumped three floors to her death at her home in Sarawak, eastern Malaysia on Monday after posting the disturbing question on social media.
According to local media, the teenager posted the poll along with the caption: “Really Important, Help Me Choose D/L”.
Police in Sarawak said Davia, described as “studious” by neighbours, killed herself after 69 per cent of poll respondents voted she should die.
Her death has shocked Malaysia and prompted the country’s youth and sports minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman to call for national-level discussions on mental health.
He said: “I am genuinely worried about the state of our youth’s mental health.
“It’s a national issue which must be taken seriously.”
Ramkarpal Singh, a lawyer and Malaysian MP, has suggested that those who voted for Davia to die could be found guilty of abetting suicide.
SOCIAL SUICIDE POLL
He said: “Would the girl still be alive today if the majority of ‘netizens’ on her Instagram account discouraged her from taking her own life?
“Would she have heeded the advice of ‘netizens’ to seek professional help had they done so?
“Did the encouragement of those ‘netizens’ actually influence her decision to take her own life?
“Since attempted suicide is an offence in this country, it follows that abetting one to attempt suicide may be, too.”
Instagram introduced “sensitivity screens” to block images of self-harm in February following the death of Brit teenager Molly Russell, 14.
Molly’s parents believe images of suicide and self-harm prompted her to take her own life in 2017.
In response to Davia’s death, Instagram’s Head of Communications Ching Yee Wong said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with this young woman’s family.
“We have a deep responsibility to make sure people using Instagram feel safe and supported.
“As part of our own efforts, we urge everyone to use our reporting tools and to contact emergency services if they see any behaviour that puts people’s safety at risk.”
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or visit ’s website.