Sue Yon Kim

U of U Writing
Ms. Rogers
11.21.14
Media Reporting on Suicide Deaths
Suicide became an important concern of community. Although there are
limited research evidences that show positive influences on media reporting on
suicide deaths, it generally agrees that: Media play an important role in reporting
about the issue of suicide. In modern day people are likely to consume information
through social media and mobile devices. People, especially youths can be easily
exposed to the media. Journalists and reporters are being unaware of their impacts on
readers and information consumers. They need to know who they are talking to and
what problem could be caused after they post or report issues. Their glamorized
words, romanticized portrayal of suicide death, and explicit descriptions of method
and location encourage more people in death. Instead of using glamorized words,
romanticized portrayal of suicide death, they should focus on minimizing information
and emphasizing that ones suicide death cause a devastating impact on others and
emphasizing that suicide is caused by ones decision.
Too many journalists and reporters use media in the wrong way. They are too
focusing on dramatizing and romanticizing ones death to draw peoples attention.
They sometimes include specific description which seems completely unnecessary.
The recent Robin Williams suicide death shows what happen if the media
highly publicize a suicide in the wrong way. Because his death widespread through
the news, internet, and social media, his death highlights suicide rate among the age
of 45 to 64. Copycat suicide death happened because of repeated coverage which is

strongly associated with raising suicidal behavior. After his death, I remembered that
the news on television, internet, and social media kept talking about his death until
Similar thing happened in South Korea. Jinsil, Choi, the famous Korean actress, who
tragically committed suicide were the most famous issue that caused the massive
copycat suicides in South Korea. Since it was the first death among famous actors and
journalists and reporters havent done their suicide reports before, they wrote and
reported about her death too specifically. According to the newspaper, An interim
report of Jinsil Chois suicide death - At 24:00, she was drunk and cried... she fell
asleep and woke up and walked in bathroomat 4:00, her mother tried to open the
bathroom door but it was locked. At 6:00, her mother broke the door and saw her
daughter hung herself near the shower faucet using compression bandageWe will
investigate why she had to kill herself through interviewing her friends and
families
After this reporting, many women who had similar reasons like her, imitated her
suicide method, saying that Even the actress could not withstand with her problem,
how can I?
The recent studies have also found a relationship between the images of suicide
portrayed in a movie film or in a book. We can easily find this romanticized suicide
from the most famous movie Dead Poets Society. In the film, the character Neil
shot himself to death because of his parents pressure on him. From the perspective
of the director, Neil has been placed in an untenable situation by a father who is
asphyxiating his creative energy Even so, is the father really the only one to blame
for the suicide? ... OK, the father is a jerk, perhaps even worthy of our contempt, but
could not Neil have waited his father out? ... What he chose to do instead is quite the
opposite of honorable or romantic. He decides that his dad will never listen to him;

and thus he has no other option but to take his life. But he doesn't just take his life
He does this just so everyone can remember what a victim he really is. Great
message! If at first you don't succeed, kill yourself. Jesus never put a gun to his head,
claiming that he would commit suicide in order to save mankind- yet that is what this
scene curiously implies. This is not the spirit of the true romanticism
The movie shows that the suicide was the only solution that can solve Neils
problem and emphasized that his death was caused by others. Movie, when it first
came out, was praised but later on, it became a problem because youth were being
represented with suicide theme in the movie. Another example is from Sylvia Paths
book The Bell Jar. She actually had depression for her whole lifetime. She said,
Death must be so beautiful. To lie in the soft brown earth, with the grasses waving
above ones head, and listen to silence. To have no yesterday, and no to-morrow. To
forget time, to forgive life, to be at peace. The language she used to be at peace
and Death must be so beautiful are romanticizing death including suicide death
according to her suffering from depression at that time.
Yet some readers may challenge my insisting that media talking about suicide openly
always cause negative consequences. At this point, Id like to raise some objections
that have been inspired by the skeptic in me. She/he feels that Im only paying
attention just the negative part of the media. According to Huffington Post, The
right kind of media attention may actually play a positive role in increasing mental
health awareness and help-seeking behaviorMedia reporting of suicide does not
necessarily have negative consequencesit all depends on the quality of the
coverage...Simply talking about suicide does not cause suicideIn fact, given the
widespread stigma around suicide, most people who are contemplating suicide do not
know who to speak to. Rather than encouraging behavior, talking openly can have an

individual other options on time to rethink his/her decision thereby preventing

suicide.
I agree that the media could prevent suicide when it plays appropriate role and
try to inform people more about prevention information like where to go, what to do,
and how to get help. But it rests upon the questionable assumption that the media
usually contains the suicide prevention on their reporting. The recent case-control
study in U.S.A. has shown that they are more likely to write about detailed and
sensational information of suicide deaths just to appeal to readers. According to Dr.
Madelyn Goulds study, The case-control study identified 48 suicide clusters in
young people aged between 13 and 20 years old from across the USA between 1988
and 1996. Each cluster included three to 11 victims who killed themselves within 6
months of the first suicide. All cluster communities were matched with two noncluster control communities in which suicides of similarly aged young people
occurredThe researchers retrospectively examined 469 newspapers for stories about
suicide published in the days between the first and second suicides in the cluster
communities, and for the same length of time after the control suicide in non-cluster
communitiesThe researchers found that significantly more newspaper stories about
suicidal individuals were published after the first cluster suicide (average 7.42 stories)
than after a suicide that was not part of a cluster (average 5.14). These stories were
also more likely to be printed on the front page, include headlines containing the word
suicide, provide a detailed description of the method used, or have accompanying
pictures. And he also said, "Although we cannot show causality, our study indicates
that media portrayals of suicide might have a role in the emergence of some teenage
suicide clusters Our research also emphasises the importance of adherence to media
guidelines that discourage reporters from using too much detailed or graphic

representations of suicides."
Suicide is a complex problem and media always struggles with questions about
how to report and what to report. Id like to suggest that they need to strict the
guidelines like using appropriate language and minimize the specific information
about ones death. While the media can play a powerful role in raising suicide
awareness and prevention, it also have the potential to harm.

Works Cited
The Lancet. "U.S. newspaper reporting of suicide linked with some teenage suicide
clusters." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 1 May 2014.
<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140501192621.htm>
Chapman, Sean. Dead Poets Society and the Romanticization of Suicide. Man in
the Woods. 5 Sep 2012. <http://woodsydude-gkcrocks.blogspot.com/2012/09/deadpoets-society-and-romanticization.html>
Temple, Emily. 10 famous author suicides in literary history. Flavorwire. 27 Oct
2011. <http://flavorwire.com/224166/10-famous-author-suicides-in-literary-history
>

For example, a major 1995 study of coverage in Australian newspapers

found that rates of male suicide increased following reports of suicide, with
actual male suicides peaking on the third day after the story first appeared.
The way in which suicide is reported appears to be particularly significant.
While evidence for media reporting that can contribute to a reduction in rates
is generally lacking, there are some isolated studies that suggest reporting
that frames suicide as a tragic waste and an avoidable loss, and focuses on
the devastating impact of the act on others, has been linked to reduce rates of
suicide.
% For example, a 1997 Australian study of reporting of Kurt Cobains suicide in
a range of media found that rates of suicide among 15-24 year olds fell during
the month following the reporting of Cobains death. Significantly, media
coverage of Cobains death was highly critical of his decision to suicide.
suicide is caused by ones decision
%

It is accentuated when the reader or viewer identified with the person

as either someone that is similar to themselves7 or someone they admire such
as a celebrity.

%
%
% CELEBRITY DEATH: Higher rates of suicide have sometimes been recorded
after celebrity suicides receive front page coverage. A US study (1984) and
Austrian studies (2001, 2004) found suicide rates and attempts of suicide
increased significantly in the month celebrity suicides were published.
newsworthy and will almost always be reported. Coverage of suicide by a

celebrity can glamourize and normalize suicide, with research showing it can
prompt imitation by vulnerable people.
Given the potential impact of the story, ensure the death is not reported as a
suicide until confirmed by official sources. This may help reduce speculation,
which can be harmful and hard to manage.
% Instead consider focusing on the wastefulness of the death, its impact on
family and friends, general risk factors for suicide and help-seeking options for
people who may be vulnerable.
%
% METHOD: Higher rates of suicide by a particular method such as burning or
poisoning have been found to follow the appearance of newspaper stories on
a suicide by these methods.
% LOCATION: The number of subway suicides and suicide attempts in Vienna
dropped after the introduction of media guidelines led to less frequent
reporting of suicides in these locations.
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For example, a 1982 American study found that the national suicide rate
increased for a period of 10 days following a news story on suicide.
Increases in the number of teenage suicides have also been recorded
following news stories on suicide in international studies. Coverage of suicide
of elderly people has also been linked to higher levels of suicide by older
people.
Studies have also found a relationship between the method of suicide
portrayed in a fictional film or television program, and increased rates of
suicide using this method.

Mixed media
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Several Australian studies have looked at the relationship between

reporting of suicide across media and suicide rates. A Queensland study
found a peak in suicide rates following extensive negative publicity about
suicide in the psychiatric wards of a local general hospital.
Conversely, suicide rates among young Australians aged 15-24 were
significantly lower in the month following Kurt Cobains death when compared
to corresponding months in previous years.
In some instances, reporting of suicides in certain locations has led to
safeguards being introduced in these places to prevent suicide.

Fictional portrayals
A literature review conducted in 2010 indicated that the portrayal of suicide in
film and television drama was widespread, and depictions of the act becoming
lengthier, more extensively modeled, and more likely to involve firearms had
increased over time. The findings also suggested the portrayal of suicide was
becoming more romanticised, glorified and condoned, with young people
being disproportionately represented in films with a suicide theme.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------Suicide is a complex issue and journalists are often faced with questions
about whether to report and how to report. While the media can play a
powerful role in raising awareness of suicide and suicide prevention, media
stories about suicide also have the potential to do harm.
Media codes of practice reinforce the need to proceed with caution when
considering reports about suicide attempts and deaths, but do not discourage
stories that are legitimately in the public interest or explore the broader issue
of suicide.
The following issues to consider have been developed to support media
professionals to make informed choices when reporting suicide, and should
be used in conjunction with media codes of practice and editorial policies.
There are also considerations for reporting euthanasia and self-harm within
this chapter.
Suicide is an important issue of community concern. While there is limited
research evidence to support positive outcomes related to media reporting of
suicide, it is generally agreed that:
Media play an important role in reporting about the broader issue of suicide,
which includes analysis of policy, practice, research, rates, and trends, and
other areas of public interest
Covering suicide sensitively and accurately can challenge public
misconceptions and myths, increase community awareness and
encourage discussion and prevention activities.
PREVENTION: Its helpful when the community is informed about the risk factors
of suicide including warning signs, the importance of taking suicidal thoughts
seriously and providing information about where people can get support.
Coverage that focuses on personal stories about overcoming suicidal thinking can
promote hope and may encourage others to seek help.
Reporting that focuses on suicide as a health and community issue helps to increase
community awareness and decrease stigma.
Reports that show the impact that suicide has on individuals and communities can
increase understanding about the experiences of those affected by suicide.
Decide whether to report on a suicide death

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Ensure the death has been confirmed as a suicide by official sources

so that the report does not fuel speculation or interfere with ongoing
investigations
Where possible, obtain informed consent from appropriate relatives or
close friends before identifying the person who has died.
Assess whether the story is clearly in the public interest. It can be
useful to consult with experts for advice about the impacts of reporting a
specific case.
Consider how many stories about suicide have been run recently as

research suggests that a succession of stories about suicide can reinforce

suicidal behavior for people who are vulnerable.

Reduce the prominence of the story

Research suggests that people who are vulnerable to suicide may be drawn
to stories about suicide and that the prominence of these stories may increase
risk.
Where possible, consider minimizing the prominence of a story. This can be
done by placing a story on the inside pages of a newspaper or further down
the order of broadcast reports. It is also preferable to avoid using the word
suicide in a headline and key search terms as these can attract vulnerable
people to the story.
Stories profiling someone who has died by suicide appear to carry the
greatest risk, as people who are vulnerable may identify with the person in the
report. That is why there are specific implications for how the reporting of
individual deaths is handled. The same approaches to suicide deaths should
be made to stories about suicide attempts and those that may include
someone talking about theirs or another persons suicidal behavior.

What about online?

While evidence is still emerging, recommendations should also be applied to
the online environment, including social media. Given the instant nature and
potential reach of online posts, implementing procedures to monitor and
manage message boards for posts that may be harmful or from people in
crisis is recommended.
Be mindful that reports about the death may come up in other contexts
(a second celebrity death) or around a significant date (movie release,
anniversary etc.) Care should be taken each time the death is reported
or referred to.

Minimize detail about method and location

Reporting explicit detail about method has been linked to increases in both
use of that method and overall suicide rates.
If it is important to mention the method, discuss in general terms only, e.g.
Use 'cocktail of drugs' instead of detailing the type and quantity of
medications taken.
Reporting uncommon or new methods of suicide can lead to imitation as well
as a lasting impact on rates.
Remove specific details about new or unusual methods of suicide and
references to ways further information can be obtained about these methods,
Describing locations of suicide may promote these to vulnerable people and
increase the frequency of attempts at these sites.

 If it is important to refer to a location, describe in general terms only. e.g.

Use 'at a nearby park' instead of detailing the exact location. In advocacy
stories (e.g. about a specific site), limit the number of times the location is
described in detail or mentioned in each report.
Images or footage that depicts the method or location of a suicide can lead to
imitation by vulnerable people.
Avoid the use of detailed or dramatic photographs or footage, e.g. Images
of people standing on the ledges or implements used in a suicide attempt.
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Take care not to imply that the death was spontaneous or preceded, by
a single event as research suggests most people who die by suicide have
underlying risk factors, including mental health issues, a drug-related illness
or other social influences.
Its important that the media are able to present the most accurate
information about suicide to the community. Information about accessing and
interpreting suicide data is available from the Mindframe website.
A story may be improved by obtaining the views of suicide prevention
experts, who can assist by providing comment, accurate interpretation of
statistics and placing situations or campaigns in context.

Consider the language you use

Certain ways of describing suicide can alienate members of the community or
inadvertently contribute to suicide being presented as glamorous or an option
for dealing with problems. Some suggestions are provided below.
Language that presents suicide as a desirable outcome
'successful suicide', 'unsuccessful suicide'
'took their own life', 'ended their own life', 'died by suicide'
Phrases that associate suicide with crime or sin
'commit suicide', 'committed suicide'
'died by suicide', 'took their own life'
Language that glamourises a suicide attempt
'failed suicide', 'suicide bid'
'made an attempt on his life', 'suicide attempt', 'non-fatal attempt'
Phrases that sensationalise suicide
'suicide epidemic'
'Higher rates', increasing rates', 'concerning rates'
Gratuitous use of the term 'suicide' out of context
'suicide mission', 'political suicide', 'suicide pass (in sport)'
Refrain from using the word 'suicide' out of context

http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/14/opinion/robin-williams-suicide-media/

What media got wrong on Robin Williams suicide

http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/robin-williams-death/robin-williams-effectcould-suicides-follow-stars-death-n178961
The Robin Williams effect: Could suicides follow stars death?
http://www.newsweek.com/two-months-after-robin-williams-death-suicidehotlines-still-see-spike-276813
Two months after Robin Williams death, Suicide hotlines still see a spike in
calls
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2014/08/12/whathappens-when-a-suicide-is-highly-publicized-in-the-wrong-way-the-suicidecontagion-effect/
What happens when a suicide is highly publicized in the wrong way: The
suicide contagion effect
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/stephanie-leon/youth-suicidereporting_b_6057030.html
Does reporting on Youth suicide cause or prevent more incidents?
https://www.afsp.org/news-events/for-the-media/reporting-on-suicide
Journalists and news organizations play a critical role in educating the public about
health. News coverage of HIV/AIDS, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and the
flu makes a difference in peoples lives and influences the care they receive. Similarly,
reports about suicide inform the public about likely causes, common warning signs
and risk factors, trends in suicide rates, and successful prevention efforts. At times,
reporting on suicide can prove harmful, spreading misinformation or inadvertently
contributing to suicide contagion.
Also known as copycat suicide, suicide contagion is a phenomenon in which
additional, often similar suicides take place following the report of a suicide,
presumably inspired by reporting on the original suicide.
A group of international suicide prevention organizations, public health organizations,
and internet safety experts have collaborated with working journalists, news
organizations, and schools of journalism to develop a set of Recommendations for
Reporting on Suicide.

http://www.poynter.org/mediawire/top-stories/251136/can-journalists-prevent-suicideclusters/
by Kelly McBride

Heightened newspaper coverage after a suicide might have a significant impact on the
initiation of some teenage suicide clusters, according to new research published in
The Lancet Psychiatry journal.
The study reveals that the content of media reports is also important, with more
prominent stories (ie, published on the front page) and those that describe the suicide
in considerable detail more likely to be associated with so-called copycat suicides.

http://www.mindframe-media.info/for-media/reportingsuicide/evidence-and-research?a=6388
https://ncadd.org/in-the-news/1223-robin-williams-death-highlights-increasingsuicide-rate-among-adults-45-to-64
The Sorrows of Young Werther
http://woodsydude-gkcrocks.blogspot.com/2012/09/dead-poets-society-andromanticization.html
Dead Poets Society and the Romanticization of Suicide