Mindframe media resources nspc14

Moving with the times: Mindframe’s revised

guidelines for media reporting of suicide and mental illness

Tegan Cotterill @MindframeMediawww.mindframe-media.info

Mindframe National Media Initiative

The Mindframe National Media Initiative collaborates with the Australian media and other sectors to encourage responsible, accurate and sensitive portrayal of mental illness and suicide.With the aim of:• Promoting suicide prevention and mental

health promotion• Reducing risk to audiences• Decreasing stigma and discrimination

associated with mental illness. www.mindframe-media.info @MindframeMedia

Mindframe National Media Initiative

The Mindframe Approach

www.mindframe-media.info @MindframeMedia

• New media book • Quick reference cards• Guide for journalism

self-care • Updated website.

New Mindframe media resources



Reporting inaccurate or negative information about mental illness:

• Promotes stigma

• Perpetuates negative and inaccurate beliefs about mental illness

Positive reporting does not appear to balance negative media portrayals

Impact of media reporting of mental illness


Mindframe principles - mental illnessStories about mental illness can inform and reduce stigma by:• Providing accurate information• Using appropriate language• Avoiding negative stereotypes• Promoting help-seeking information • Providing support to spokespeople

with lived experience.

• Reporting about suicide deaths has been associated with increased rates of suicide and suicide attempts using the same method or location and increased rates of suicide overall.

• People vulnerable to suicide may be drawn to stories about suicide and negatively impacted by these.


Impact of media reporting of suicide


Risk generally increases when reporting:• Details method and location• Sensationalises suicide• Is prominent and repeated • Focuses on an individual who has

died (especially celebrities) • Glamourises or glorifies the

death

Impact of media reporting of suicide

The media has a role to play in raising awareness of suicide as a public health issue and prevention behaviourTo decrease risk it may be helpful to: • Provide context• Frame suicide as a tragic, avoidable loss • Focus on the negative impact on others• Explore stories of overcoming suicidal

ideation• Promote help-seeking information


Mindframe principles - suicide

The Mindframe resources will soon include • Tips for reporting on people bereaved by

suicide • Updated recommendations for reporting on

issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as well as individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Intersex.

• A new Mindframe app• Updated resources for the mental health and

suicide prevention sectors.www.mindframe-media.info @MindframeMedia

Coming soon

Health & Medicine

Mindframe media resources nspc14