Best Practices and Recommendations
for Reporting on Suicide
Media Plays an Important Role inPreventing Suicide1.

Over 100 studies worldwide have found that riskof contagion is real and responsible reporting canreduce the risk of additional suicides.

2.

Research indicates duration, frequency, andprominence are the most influential factors that
increase risk of suicide contagion.

3.

Covering suicide carefully can change perceptions,dispel myths and inform the public on thecomplexities of the issue.

4.

Media reports can result in help-seeking when they
include helpful resources and messages of hopeand recovery.

Partner Organizations
These recommendations were established using a consensus model
developed by SAVE. The process was led by SAVE and included leading
national and international suicide prevention, public health andcommunication’s experts, news organizations, reporters, journalism
schools and internet safety experts. Collaborating organizations include:
American Association of Suicidology � American Foundation for Suicide
Prevention � American Psychoanalytic Association � Annenberg PublicPolicy Center � Associated Press Managing Editors � Canterbury Suicide
Project – University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand � Centers forDisease Control and Prevention � Crisis Text Line � Columbia University
Department of Psychiatry � ConnectSafely.org � International Associationfor Suicide Prevention Task Force on Media and Suicide � Medical Universityof Vienna � National Alliance on Mental Illness � National Institute ofMental Health � National Press Photographers Association � The Net
Safety Collaborative � National Suicide Prevention Lifeline � New York State
Psychiatric Institute � The Poynter Institute � Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration � Suicide Awareness Voices of Education �Suicide Prevention Resource Center � Vibrant Emotional Health

Recommendations: Following these recommendations can assist in safe reporting on suicide.
AVOID…

INSTEAD…

Describing or depicting the method and locationof the suicide.

Report the death as a suicide; keep information
about the location general.

Sharing the content of a suicide note.

Report that a note was found and is under review.

Describing personal details about
the person who died.

Keep information about the person general.

Presenting suicide as a common
or acceptable response to hardship.

Report that coping skills, support, and treatment work
for most people who have thoughts about suicide.

Oversimplifying or speculating on thereason for the suicide.

Describe suicide warning signs and risk factors(e.g. mental illness, relationship problems) thatgive suicide context.

Sensationalizing details in theheadline or story.

Report on the death using facts and language thatare sensitive to a grieving family.

Glamorizing or romanticizing suicide.

Provide context and facts to counter perceptions
that the suicide was tied to heroism, honor, or
loyalty to an individual or group.

Overstating the problem of suicide by using
descriptors like “epidemic” or “skyrocketing.”

Research the best available data and use words
like “increase” or “rise.”Prominent placement of stories related
to a suicide death in print or in a newscast.

Place a print article inside the paper or magazine
and later in a newscast.

For more information and examples of best practices when reporting on suicide, visit ReportingonSuicide.org/Recommendations

Helpful Side-Bar for Stories

Checklist for Responsible Reporting

Report suicide as a public health issue. Including stories on hope,healing, and recovery may reduce the risk of contagion.

Include Resources. Provide information on warning signs of suicide risk aswell as hotline and treatment resources. At a minimum, include the National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line (listed below) or local crisis
phone numbers.

!

Warning Signs
Of Suicide•

Talking about wanting to die•

Looking for a way tokill oneself•

Talking about feeling hopelessor having no purpose•

Emphasize Help and Hope. Stories of recovery through help-seeking andpositive coping skills are powerful, especially when they come from people
who have experienced suicide risk.

Talking about feelingtrapped or unbearable pain•

Talking about being aburden to others

Ask an Expert. Interview suicide prevention or mental health experts tovalidate your facts on suicide risk and mental illness.

•Increasing the use of alcoholor drugs•

Acting anxious, agitatedor recklessly•

Sleeping too little or too much•

Withdrawing or
feeling isolated•

Showing rage or talking
about seeking revenge•

Displaying extreme
mood swings

Use Appropriate Language. Certain phrases and words can further
stigmatize suicide, spread myths, and undermine suicide prevention
objectives such as “committed suicide” or referring to suicide as “successful,”“unsuccessful” or a “failed attempt.” Instead use, “died by suicide” or “killedhim/herself.”

Reporting Under Unusual Circumstances
A mass shooting where a perpetrator takes his or her life is different from an
isolated suicide. Recommendations for reporting on mass shootings can befound at reportingonmassshootings.org.
A homicide-suicide is also different from an isolated suicide. The circumstances
are often complex in these incidents, as they are in suicide. To minimize fearin the community, avoid speculation on motive and cite facts and statementsthat indicate that such events are rare. Show sensitivity to survivors in yourinterviews and reporting. Highlight research that shows most perpetrators ofhomicide-suicide have mental health or substance use problems, but remind
readers that most people who experience mental illness are nonviolent.

Crisis Resources to Include in Stories

What to Do•

Do not leave theperson alone•

Remove any firearms,alcohol, drugs, or sharp
objects that could be usedin a suicide attempt•Call the National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline at1-800-273-TALK (8255)•Take the person to an
emergency room, or seek
help from a medical ormental health professional

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline forindividuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone
else. To speak with a certified listener, call 1-800-273-8255.

Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis
support. To speak with a trained listener, text HELLO to741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.

For more information and examples of best practices when reporting on suicide, visit ReportingonSuicide.org/Recommendations