
05/09/2023
As we mark World Su***de Prevention Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about su***de and taking action to prevent it. One crucial aspect of su***de prevention is responsible media reporting. The way su***des are portrayed in the media can have a profound impact on public perception, attitudes, and behaviors. This year's theme, "Creating Hope through Action," reminds us of the importance of responsible reporting to instill hope and encourage positive actions. Below are some Dos and Don'ts for the media when reporting on su***de.
The Dos
✅Provide help-seeking information- e.g. su***de prevention hotlines.
✅Ensure help-seeking information provided is up-to-date and operational.
✅Include comments from mental health professionals and Experts by Experience(EbE).
✅Highlight that su***des are preventable.
✅Provide links to hopeful stories of individuals who have overcome suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
✅Reports information and facts verified from official sources.
The Don'ts
❌ Avoid criminalizing and stigmatizing language that associates su***de as a crime or a sin.
❌ Avoid headlines that sensationalize su***de e.g. "Man hangs himself with a rope for testing positive for Covid-19"
❌ Avoid disclosing details of location or site of su***de e.g. "Jumped off Nyali bridge into the Indian Ocean"
❌ Avoid attributing the cause of death to one single reason or factor.
❌ Avoid publishing su***de notes, texts, and images of the deceased.
❌ Avoid publishing information on grieving persons or family without their express consent.
If you are in Kenya and are experiencing thoughts of su***de here are some contacts, you or your loved ones can use.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Kenya (CBT-Kenya): 0739 935 333 /
0756 454 585.
Centre for Su***de Research & Intervention: 254 703 388 130
Red Cross Kenya 1199
Mental 360: 0710 360 360
***deprevention