Safe Reporting on Suicide

“If you report on suicide in a way that shows hope and recovery, you can actually reduce the risk of suicide.” Dan Reidenberg

Utah

A lot of journalists are unaware that how they cover suicide can be harmful and lead to contagion or copycat suicide. Conversely, new research indicates that reporting on suicide and mental health issues in a way that shows hope and mastery over a crisis can actually reduce the risk of suicide, explains Dan Reidenberg, executive director of Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE). Utah television producer Candice Madsen has turned to suicide experts, such as Reidenberg, to more effectively cover this sensitive topic so that it not only boosts ratings but also saves lives.