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Reporting on Suicide

Research indicates that the way suicide is reported in the media can affect vulnerable individuals and contribute to additional suicides and suicide attempts. The following publications can help you report on suicide while minimizing dangers to those who may be at-risk.

At-a-Glance: Safe Reporting on Suicide 2005. This two-page guide for reporters and editors provides a list of recommendations on how to report on suicide while minimizing the risk of contributing to "copycat" suicides. In addition to offering guidelines (based upon Reporting on the Media, below), this publication includes additional resources on suicide and suicide prevention for reporters, editors, and others in the media. (PDF, 2 pages)

Reporting on Suicide: Recommendations for the Media 2001. An evidence-based report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Mental Health, Office of the Surgeon General, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Association of Suicidology, and Annenberg Public Policy Center. The entire report and supporting documents are available at http://www.afsp.org/index.cfm?page_id=0523D365-A314-431E-A925C03E13E762B1.

For assistance in developing stories on suicide,
contact SPRC Deputy Director, Anara Guard email: info@sprc.org
phone: 877-GET-SPRC (877-438-7772)