Media Policy Reporting on suicide

1. Media PolicyReporting on suicide Israel Mlambo Kate Hellig Wanita Briell Wendy Fourie Hendri Pelser

2. Insensitive and Inaccurate Reporting • Headline • “tree-lined Rhodes University campus” ?! • Name • Method used • Unnecessary details • Inaccurate information • Mention of unrelated events?

3. Aims • Establish current policy and reporting trends • Develop a better understanding of how to report on suicides • Create a better understanding of the psychological aspects involved • Troubleshoot problem-areas in current reporting. • Develop a framework and set of guidelines for future reporting.

4. Methodology • Literature review • Critical analysis of newspaper reports • In depth interviews • Examination of existing policy

5. Findings • No current policy • Inaccuracies • Assumptions and speculation • Insensitivity towards family and friends • Sensationalism and dramatisation • Failure to include helpful information on suicide • Complex situation – ethics: - Time to grieve vs. time to print - Public knowledge vs. Private knowledge

6. Values • Different cultures and societies view suicide in different ways - Shameful - Honourable • Journalistic values • Need to balance the different values in the Grocott’s to reflect community values

7. Recommendations • Withhold names of minors • Be tactful and sensitive to the bereaved family. Try and contact a person close to the family who is willing to speak to the press and who will provide accurate and factual information. • No reference to suicide in the headline

8. Recommendations • Only include the basic relevant information • Do not speculate as to the motivation or mention the method used • Never romanticise suicide

9. Recommendations • Photographs at the family’s discretion • Never publish photographs of the family • Double check press releases • Include contact details for a suicide support group or help-line

10. Thank you