Coverage of suicide or self-harm as an in factual programming, news and current affairs, as well as in a range of fictional content including drama and comedy.
Coverage of individual of suicide or self-harm in news and current affairs, where such instances are considered newsworthy.
of suicide or self-harm in factual and fictional content. Depictions may or may not be central to the issues being discussed. For example, content dealing with the life of a famous artist might include appropriate reference to that individual's suicide, in circumstances where the suicide itself is not the main focus of the content. Similarly, suicide might appear as a minor element in a fictional drama.
careful consideration of the balance between appropriate depictions of violence and other potentially disturbing content, and depictions which are gratuitous to the editorial purpose of the content;
dealing with grief among those we interview or film in factual content or who might be portrayed in factual dramas;
appropriate respect for privacy;
use of warnings, classifications and other audience information whenever covering confronting or potentially disturbing subject matter;
matters of taste and judgement about likely harms in relation to humorous depictions of serious issues.
As an , the ABC covers suicide and self-harm when we think, based on the information available and the research we have done, that it is an editorially relevant and significant issue that requires discussion and coverage.
This might be because it is prevalent, particularly in an “at risk” sector of the community, or in a particular place or at a particular time; or that there are important issues relating to the way the community is dealing with the issue, including levels of funding and support, new research, new approaches or the questioning of old research or existing approaches. There might also be a significant contribution from an individual, a group or a specific case study that can assist in understanding the issue.
As a newsworthy , we cover it when other elements of the story are sufficiently newsworthy to justify coverage. In other words, we do not report on an individual suicide just because it is a suicide. On the other hand, if it is significant that a specific individual has died, then we would report it and not shy away from the fact that it was suicide. The suicide of a celebrity should not be romanticised or glamorised. If a particular suicide has other newsworthy aspects to it such as major disruption to the broader community or a highly visible event that caused broader impact and trauma, we would report it on that basis.
time we report on suicide, whether as a broader issue or as a specific event, we are mindful of the potential impact on the audience, and of the specific risk of prompting copycat episodes.
Be cautious about any coverage that risks portraying suicide in a glamorous way, or condones suicide as a solution to a problem.
We report on specific methods and locations only when there is strong editorial justification for doing so.
We normally accompany our content with information about support and advice available for those who may need it – Lifeline, Kids Helpline, etc.
Due to the risk of copycat behaviour, extreme care must be given to any portrayal that gives detail of method. Explicit verbal and visual references to method should be kept to a minimum to reduce the risk that a fictionalised suicide or suicide attempt could be copied by a vulnerable viewer.
For the same reasons, suicide in fiction should not be glorified or presented as the only solution to a problem. If a suicide of a character is represented, the content should ideally also include the negative impact and consequences on other characters such as family members, friends or colleagues.
The context of the portrayal is also a matter for consideration. Why has suicide or self-harm been included in the storyline? Is it a legitimate and integral part of the storyline or does the inclusion seem gratuitous or glib?
Particular care needs to be taken when dealing with comedy. The nature and impact of the act means particular care needs to be taken not to trivialise an important issue, cause undue distress to those directly affected, or adversely affect the vulnerable.
In cases where suicide is a substantial part of fictional content, give consideration to providing an accompanying viewer advice notice that provides information about support services available for those who may need it – Lifeline, Kids Helpline, etc.