The uptake of evidence-informed guidelines for reporting suicide into media codes of practice and policies in Australia.
evidence-based practice
journalism
mass media
mental health
public health
social determinants of health
suicide
Journal
Health promotion journal of Australia : official journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals
ISSN: 1036-1073
Titre abrégé: Health Promot J Austr
Pays: Australia
ID NLM: 9710936
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
Sep 2020
Sep 2020
Historique:
received:
02
10
2019
revised:
11
11
2019
accepted:
11
12
2019
pubmed:
18
12
2019
medline:
19
8
2021
entrez:
18
12
2019
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Despite different models and frameworks for effective suicide prevention, a universal intervention that is consistently highlighted is the need for responsible and safe media reporting of suicide. This is based on evidence of an association between media reporting of suicide and subsequent suicidal behaviour. This study examines the extent to which media-led policies and codes of practice in Australia have integrated and aligned with evidence-informed recommendations about reporting suicide. An online search of Australian media agency websites was used to identify codes of practice or similar guidance for news reporting. Content analysis was conducted on all identified documents, assessing alignment with 16 key recommendations from the Mindframe media guidelines for reporting on suicide. A total of 17 documents across 12 media agencies were identified. Ten of the 12 agencies provided specific advice about the reporting of suicide, with all agencies that issue codes of practice or editorial policies including between two and 10 recommendations aligned with the Mindframe guidelines. While the results of this study are positive, significant variation between media agencies shows that there are opportunities to enhance adoption and implementation of evidence-informed guidance for media professionals in Australia. SO WHAT?: With over 3000 people dying by suicide and over 60 000 people attempting suicide each year in Australia, the prevention of suicide remains a key public health priority requiring a multi-sector and health-in-all-policies approach. This study reveals that there is a strong platform for ongoing collaboration with the Australian media to ensure safe and sensitive coverage of suicide.
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
482-490Informations de copyright
© 2019 Australian Health Promotion Association.
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