The Controversy of Reporting Suicide

As a result of the horiffic murder/suicide that occured in Paddington, tutorial members debated the ethics of reporting suicides within the media and reflected upon past attitudes within journalism on the issue. We are all aware that publicising events generates interest and creates ideas among audiences and the concern of reporting instances of suicide is that it will encourage copycats among the public. During to the turorial i was alerted to the fact that Australia once had one of the worst suicide rates in the world, particularly among youg males living in rural and isolated areas. Of course I had no idea just how many suicides had occured due to the media's reluctance to report on the issue - and i can understand their reluctance but to me it just seems like the country was in a permanant state of denial. If no one acknowledges the existance of a problem, than nothing can be done about the problem and all these deaths are just being swept under the rug. A lot of good can be done by raising awareness and impressing upon the public the reality of the situation. Audiences are more likely to donate funds, identify warning signs and argue for government intervention if the problem of suicide is made more public. Foundations such as Beyondblue are in a better position to reach more people if they have the support of the media and the community. For example, when the Governemnt was made aware of the significant problem of adolewscent suicide in outback Australia, they were given very real incentive to assign funds to help with the problem, setting up programs and support groups within the community. In my opinion, I believe these stories should be reported on and discussed but I would consider it unethical for the media to release photographs or footage of the crime or its aftermath.

If you or someone you know think you need some help or just someone to talk to, please call any of the numbers listed below:

• Emergency appointment with your local doctor (General Practitioner) check the White Pages for the phone number. You can find a GP in your area who has had extra training in mental health by looking at the beyondblue Find a Doctor List.
• Contact your local public hospital.
• beyondblue info line - 1300 22 4636
• Lifeline - 13 11 14
• Suicide Helpline Victoria - 1300 651 251
• Kids Help Line (free call) - 1800 55 1800
• Mensline - 1300 789 978