In the news

The following stories cover suicide and/or self-harm. To share your opinion of these stories and discuss reportage of suicide and self-harm in the media, visit the LIFE discussion forums.

News reports

Title: No one to watch over him
Date: 1 November 2008
Publication: The Age
Synopsis: This article discusses the death of Bayden Smith, a 47-year-old Australian man who died by suicide after being assessed as ‘low-risk’ by two emergency mental health workers. To discuss this issue and others, become a member of the LIFE Professional Development Network and visit the LIFE discussion forums.
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Title: Fewer committing suicide but elderly men at greatest risk
Date: 1 August 2008
Publication: The Australian
Synopsis: This article looks at the falling national suicide rate and the greater risk prevalent in men - particularly elderly men - of dying by suicide. It also incorporates information about the new Living Is For Everyone (LIFE) Framework.
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Title: Nine broke rules on girl suicide report
Date: 4 June 2008
Publication: Herald Sun
Synopsis: A 60 MINUTES program about two Melbourne teenage girls who killed themselves has breached regulatory safeguards for suicide reporting, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has found.  
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StigmaWatch

SANE StigmaWatch monitors media portrayals of mental illness and suicide, to ensure they are accurate and respectful. It takes the media to task when these topics are covered inaccurately or irresponsibly, and – through the ‘Good News’ area – congratulates them on good coverage. If you would like to report inaccurate or inappropriate coverage of mental illness or suicide in the media - be it TV, radio, magazine, print or advertising - contact StigmaWatch at:

www.sane.org.au
SANE Australia
PO Box 226
South Melbourne VIC 3205
media@sane.org.au