How News Reports on Suicide Miss the Mark

The Problem with Current Reporting

News stories about suicide can sometimes make things worse. They might even encourage copycat behavior, especially when famous people are involved.

The Study's Findings

A recent study dug into Irish news reports to see how often they break the rules for responsible reporting.

Key Statistics

• Articles Analyzed: Almost 3,000
• Guidelines Violated: Samaritans' guidelines for responsible suicide reporting
• Most Common Mistake: Not including helpline information, especially in stories about celebrities
• Trend: The problem worsened from 2019 to 2021

Common Violations

• Language: Using the word "commit" when talking about suicide
• Multiple Violations: Articles often broke multiple rules at once
• Celebrity Stories:
• Using graphic images
• Discussing the method of suicide
• Non-Celebrity Stories:
• Discussing the method of suicide
• Giving too many location details

Limitations of the Study

• Sample Size: Only 20% of the guideline-breaking articles were analyzed
• Positive Reporting: Did not cover all the good things reporters do
• Scope: Did not distinguish between stories about suicide attempts, thoughts, or deaths

The Importance of Responsible Reporting

The way news reports talk about suicide matters. It can influence how people think and act.

Recommendations

The study suggests that reporters need more support to follow the guidelines, especially when it comes to celebrity suicides. Getting it right can save lives.