Ethical Issues in Covering Teen Suicide Stories: Deadly Dilemmas and Fatal Flaws

This study examined news coverage of a double teen suicide in Saint Petersburg, Florida in 1993. Focusing on how the story was covered, the study explored the newspaper’s decision-making process, analyzing the process in relation to standard philosophical methods in ethics & recognized journalistic principles. As background, psychological research on suicide & the media was reviewed & interviews with mental health professionals & persons close to the victims were conducted. Recommendations are made for journalists covering stories on adolescent suicide.