Journalists

We devised the RSR model to enable journalists–and journalism students–to make ethical decisions about their storytelling whilst under pressure from various news processes. The RSR model embeds global media reporting guidelines on suicide within journalism practice and functions within the storytelling process so journalists can question their choices as they produce content, without have to go elsewhere for guidance. The model consists of three parts: a typology of suicide narratives and ‘othering’; a set of ethical rules, and a standard of moderation.

DEATH KNOCK

A ‘death knock’ is what newsrooms call interviewing recently bereaved relatives to find out about the deceased person and their life.
They are considered newsworthy because they can be dramatic and provide emotional engagement with a story
Death knocks have enormous potential to do harm and MUST be handled responsibly.
A death knock is one of the most challenging tasks a journalist can perform.
Journalists must remember that the person they are trying to interview will be grieving and is at an increased risk of self-harm or suicide themselves, therefore respect for their privacy must be paramount.
The burden of responsibility on the journalist to get it right should be immense.
The bereaved need to feel that the emotional cost of this intrusion is worthwhile and productive
If journalists are interviewing someone who has been bereaved by suicide, whether this is directly afterwards or in the years since, it is important to remember that talking about the suicide has the potential to trigger painful memories and place the person in a vulnerable position.

STATISTICS

When reporting on suicide aim to lead the story with facts that can provide context for the reader.
It is vital that these statistics are not inflated or conflated but are accurate and clear.
Journalists must ensure that the statistics included in the story are from a credible source such as WHO, Office of National Statistics (UK); Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (USA); Mindframe (Australia); Ministry of Health (New Zealand); Eurostat (EU).

INFOBOXES & SIDEBARS

Including Helpline information boxes or sidebars of information when reporting suicide is vital.
Helpline information helps prevent further suicides. It also signposts to your audience where they can access further support.
Helpline information can come from:
UK: The Samaritans 116 123
USA: Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 / Veteran’s Crisis line 1-800-273-8255 / The Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386
Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14 / Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 / Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
New Zealand: Lifeline 0800 543 354
Providing a long list can be counter-productive, so choose one phone number and one website to accompany the story.

HEADLINES

The use of such information has led to the gratuitous reporting of suicide when it comes to method of death. This type of reporting can cause harm and distress to the bereaved and others in vulnerable positions.

LANGUAGE

The use of language and phraseology in the reporting of suicide is vital in safeguarding against stigmatisation and sensationalism. Every single word and phrase in the story needs to be scrutinised.

The use of the phrase “commit suicide” is unacceptable and is steeped in historical conceptions of suicide as a criminal act. Try “died by suicide” or “killed him/her self” or “took his life” instead

Phrases such as “successful” or “unsuccessful” suicide should not be used, they give a sense of triumph or failure.

Sensational language such as “suicide epidemics” should not be used but instead suicide should be recognised as a public health problem.

Journalists should remember that they have a responsibility to share and inform their audience of the risk factors and also include messages of prevention of suicide.

METHOD

Detailed language on the method of the suicide should not be included in the story.

Details of the method increases the likelihood of a vulnerable person using the same method to take their own life. Avoid sensational language about the novelty of the suicide method.

LOCATION

The location of the suicide should not be included within the reporting and the reporting of “popular” locations of suicide should not be mentioned. The inclusion of location can provide information for vulnerable people to copy.

PLACEMENT

Where you place a suicide news story is important to consider when writing and publishing stories.
These should not be on front pages nor on the homepage of a website.

When placed prominently, news stories about suicide, “have the ability to produce imitation among vulnerable individuals.” – Jamieson et al 2003 p.1643

The placement of suicide-related stories in a prominent position can also have the effect of glamorising or sensationalising death by suicide.

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In newspapers, stories relating to suicide should be displayed on the inside pages and ideally on the bottom left of the page to avoid prominence. When reporting in broadcasts suicide stories should feature after the second or third break.

Although a news report on a celebrity that has died by suicide may receive prominence in placement, there is “no justification for prominent coverage of suicides of private persons occurring in private places.” – Michael and Wyss 2000 p.77

Online suicide stories should be displayed lower down the page. Ideally, they should be located several clicks into the website

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media posts from the deceased should not be included in any news reporting as they tend to “glamorise or glorify” suicide.

Suicide notes left on social media accounts should not be published in stories due to their potential to influence others.

Do not use posts from the deceased unless you have explicit permission from the family. Remember, you have no context as to what was posted; do not assume you understand the state of mind of the deceased.

Journalists and news reporters should show caution when using or engaging with online memorial sites following a death by suicide. Remember, those who post are grieving and are vulnerable.

Journalists should ensure that they do not quote content from memorial sites unless they have been provided with explicit consent from the person responsible for posting the information.

Journalists and news organisations should not cause unnecessary stress or harm to those people who have been bereaved by suicide.

PHOTOS, VIDEOS, SLIDESHOWS

When using images or videos in suicide reporting caution should be taken.

While it might be newsroom policy to use/pull photos or video from Facebook, Weibo, QZone, Google Images, YouTube, Instagram, or Snapchat for a “regular” story, in the case of a suicide, explicit permission should be obtained from the family members so as not to cause further distress.

You should NEVER publish a photo or video that depicts the act of suicide.

You should NEVER publish a photo or video that depicts the location of the suicide.

You should NEVER re-publish a video of a streamed suicide, even if it has already been seen online. By doing this, you will be providing a roadmap for others to carry out the act of suicide.

Celebrity Suicide

Covering a celebrity suicide can be the job of both specialist and non-specialist journalists depending on the popularity and status of the person who has died.

It is vital that the reporting of a celebrity suicide is treated with the same ethical, accurate and responsible reporting as non-celebrity suicides.

The same responsible guidelines apply:
• the death should not be glamorised
• method should not be described in detail
• location should not be reported
• information on helplines and support services should be included
• journalists should consider the impact of continuous coverage of celebrity suicide, as this has been shown to lead to increased suicide rates

The reporting of a celebrity dying by suicide may receive more prominent news coverage and story placement due to the nature of the deceased and their impact on society.
An information box, fact box or sidebar should always accompany any suicide story regarding a celebrity death.

Guidelines & Codes

Guidelines are not “about censorship; they are about promoting accurate, responsible and ethical reporting” Pirkis et al 2006 p.84

Research shows that irresponsible reporting of suicide impacts those who are vulnerable to suicide and those that are bereaved by suicide.
Journalists MUST use suicide reporting guidelines when reporting on a suicide.
Guidelines will help journalists avoid sensationalising or glamorising the death but also avoid giving undue prominence to the story.

Research has shown that responsible reporting on suicide does have an impact on the number of deaths by suicide and also possible contagion effects.

Responsible reporting on suicide can also help dispel myths about death by suicide. It is also an opportunity to educate the public on the resources available to help those in need.