WHO and the National Institute of Mental Health are conducting from September to November 2018, workshops for journalists on responsible reporting of suicide. Ten media houses have been selected to attend the workshops, including printed, electronic and TV media channels.
Over 10 000 people die by suicide every year in Bangladesh, making suicide a national major public health concern. The factors contributing to suicide and its prevention are complex but there is increasing evidence that the media can play a significant role in suicide prevention efforts. Responsible media reports about suicide may minimize the risk of imitative (copycat) suicide, and provide educational information about where and how to get help to prevent suicide.
The workshops are based on the WHO kit “Preventing suicide: A resource for media professionals, Update 2017”. The kit provides guidance on “Dos” and “Don’ts” to ensure safe and responsible media coverage of suicides.
Dos
- Do provide accurate information about where to seek help
- Do educate the public about the facts of suicide and suicide prevention, without spreading myths
- Do report stories of how to cope with life stressors or suicidal thoughts, and how to get help
- Do apply particular caution when reporting celebrity suicides
- Do apply caution when interviewing bereaved family or friends
- Do recognize that media professionals themselves may be affected by stories about suicide
Don’ts
- Don’t place stories about suicide prominently and don't unduly repeat such stories
- Don’t use language which sensationalizes or normalizes suicide, or presents it as a constructive solution to problems
- Don’t explicitly describe the method used
- Don’t provide details about the site/location
- Don’t use sensational headlines
- Don’t use photographs, video footage or social media links
The workshops are part of a larger WHO initiative to promote mental health and wellbeing and strengthen mental health service delivery. WHO, the National Institute of Mental Health and key stakeholders are also working together to finalise the draft National Mental Health Policy and develop standard treatment protocols for assessment and management of common mental disorders in primary health care settings, based on WHO mhGAP.