Source: The Samaritans published on this website Tuesday 22 October 2024 by Jill Powell
The Guidelines have a very helpful and thoughtful Introduction, and the first section is headed:
“Suicide is a major public health concern and is therefore a subject that is very much in the public interest”
It follows on with:
“While sensitive reporting can inform and educate the public about suicide and the signs to look out for, there is strong and consistent research evidence that some forms of news reporting lead to increases in suicide rates. Media coverage can influence how people behave in a crisis and their beliefs about the options open to them. The research shows that certain types of media depictions, such as explicitly describing a method and sensational and excessive coverage, can lead to imitational suicidal behaviour among vulnerable people. For example, in the five months following Robin Williams’ suicide in 2014, there were 1,841 more suicide deaths in the USA compared to the same time period from the previous year – a 9.85% rise. In contrast, some forms of reporting can help save lives. Coverage describing a person or character seeking help and coming through a difficult time can serve as a powerful testimony to others that this is possible and can have a protective influence over audiences. Stories can highlight that suicide is preventable and direct vulnerable people to sources of support. We know from international research that when media guidelines are followed this has a positive effect by improving reporting standards.”
To read the Guidelines
