Suicide reports in media can affect vulnerable people: study

Suicide reports in media can affect vulnerable people: study

News:

1.The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, found significant associations between reporting details and suicide deaths.

Important facts:

2. Findings of the report:

• Reading details about suicide cases can push vulnerable people towards taking the extreme step.
• The scientists stressed the need for understanding the impact of media reports on suicidal populations.
• The study supports previous research that has shown that exposure to media reporting on suicide may lead some vulnerable people to similar behaviour, a phenomenon called suicide contagion.
• When media reports include resources such as crisis services and messages of hope, it can have a positive impact on the public, and potentially help a person in crisis by reminding them that suicide isn’t the only option and that help is available.
• Reporting on suicide can have a meaningful impact on suicide deaths
• Researchers also examined the relationship between potentially harmful and helpful elements of print and online media reports about suicide.
• They identified associations between several specific elements of media reports and suicide deaths.
• The report suggested that:
• The media organisations should carefully consider the specific content of reports before publication.
• Responsible reporting is the need of the hour.