Journalists and the media need to be aware of the positive and negative impacts of covering suicide and mental illness.
Although Australia is leading the best and most ethical reporting on suicide and mental illness, media can potentially perpetuate stigma and stereotypes.
“Media reports can influence community attitudes towards, and understanding of, mental illness and suicide,” said Marc Bryant of the Hunter Institute of Mental Health.
The Hunter Institute found that one in five Australians will experience a mental illness in a 12 month period.
Australia is one of the only countries in the world where media reporting on mental illness increased from 57.1 per cent to 75 per cent.
As media is the primary source of information about mental illness to the community, it is pertinent to not portray the matter in a negative light.
For journalists writing about mental illness, it is necessary to:
Ensure accurate references
Be sensitive
Avoid negative language
Be mindful of stereotypes
Seek advice
Promote health services including helpline numbers
The Hunter Institute found a strong correlation between the risk of “copycat suicides” and coverage that is prominent, gives specific details or sensationalises the issue.
The media has a role to play in raising awareness, and this can be achieved by:
Avoiding sensationalism
Using promotional opportunities to dispel common myths
Not sensationalising the issue through statistics
“Alerting” and not “alarming” the community
Using appropriate language
Placing the story in context
Promote health services including helpline numbers
Such an example of ethical suicide reporting can be found below.
The body of a male has been discovered in Kooroogool Nature Park early this afternoon.
Two young males found the body before alerting local authorities.
The identity of the body is still to be determined.
Senior Constable Tony Douglas said there does not appear to be any evidence of foul play.
The cause of death is yet to be confirmed by the coroner.
Through correct reporting, journalists can not only inform the community, but can potentially create change for the better.
If you or someone you know needs support, please call any of these 24 hour help lines.
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Mindframe (journalists): 02 4924 6900
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