Year: 2010 Source: Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, v.40, no.5, (October 2005), p.524-534 SIEC No: 20101194

A nationally representative sample of 968 local & national newspapers was examined to determine whether the 2001 American media guidelines were followed in articles published in 2002-2003, & featuring individual cases of suicidal behaviour. During the study period, newspaper coverage did not consistently reflect the influence of the media guidelines. On the positive side, only 19% of stories included inappropriate imagery. On the negative side, stories often detailed method & location, & rarely provided information about warning signs & risk factors, the role of depression & alcohol, & prevention resources. These findings, together with previous evidence, suggest the need for sustained dialogue with the media about suicide reporting. (36 refs.) JA