Sensitive Coverage Saves Lives: Improving Media Portrayal of Suicidal Behaviour

This study was commissioned as a means of examining the efficacy of existing media guidelines & to establish ways of working with the British media that would help support a sustained improvement in the portrayal of suicide & suicidal behaviour. The report outlines the results of consultations with journalists, suicide prevention agencies, & mental health group during 2006. Recommendations are made. Appendices provide the survey & interview questions as well as roundtable topics. A list of guidelines, suicide prevention agencies, & relevant literature is included. The results of a survey of international guidelines & training are provided & MediaWise’s training modules on reporting suicide are outlined.