Guidelines for Ethical Reporting on Suicides
The Werther effect, a term for the increase in suicides following media coverage of a single case, has been known for over two centuries, reminds the organization Journalists Against Violence.
They add that today, although we have sufficient knowledge, research, and guidelines, suicides are still often presented sensationally in the media, without understanding the consequences that such reporting can cause.
The Code of Journalists in Serbia clearly states: “Journalists should not report on the suicides of individuals who are not public figures to avoid copycat actions. Journalists should also exercise caution when reporting on the suicides of public figures and do so only when there is a public interest."
On the occasion of September 10th - World Suicide Prevention Day, we invite our colleagues to familiarize themselves with the Guidelines for Ethical Media Reporting on Suicide, which have been prepared in collaboration with the Center for Heart and UNDP Serbia.
In these guidelines, you will find specific recommendations on what to do and what to avoid when writing about suicide:
✔ Present suicide as a public health issue, rather than an individual tragedy,
✔ Avoid details of specific cases and private information of the individuals involved,
✔ Write about the phenomenon of suicide and the protection of mental health instead of individual cases,
✔ Publish support contact information and share stories about overcoming mental health crises.
Responsible and educational media reporting can save lives, emphasize Journalists Against Violence.
You can find the guidelines at this link.
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