Trigger warning: Mention of suicide
NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) – The Department of Health Eastern Visayas-Center for Health Development (DOH EV-CHD) has emphasized the ethical and responsible reporting of suicide reports to the media, content creators, and private individuals in a recently held online orientation on mental health and suicide prevention.
Donna Salazar, health program officer of the DOH EV-CHD health promotion unit, discussed the guidance on proper and responsible reporting of suicide cases based on the DOH Administrative Order 2023-0004, or the Guidelines for Ethical and Responsible Reporting and Portrayal of Suicide in Media, Audiovisual, and Films.
She emphasized the risk of triggering copycat suicides by reporting or posting unconfirmed suicides, known as the Werther Effect.
A study has shown that people are most likely to engage in deviant behavior if someone else sets the example first, since individuals tend to copy upon learning of someone else’s suicide, Salazar mentioned.
She recommended avoiding sharing personal and sensitive information, like names, graphic images, and suspected suicide notes, especially concerning minors, to comply with the Data Privacy Act.
She also stressed the importance of excluding details regarding the method and location of the incident, approaching interviews with bereaved families cautiously, and ensuring reports are respectful and mindful of their privacy.
Salazar advocated against oversimplifying incidents into singular causes like relationship breakdowns, unemployment, or academic struggles. Instead, she urged for reports to be sensitive, offering accurate information on suicide and prevention.
She stressed using reliable sources like mental health resources from the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Consulting mental health professionals was also suggested to ensure accuracy and sensitivity in reporting.
Salazar reiterated the need for discretion in reporting, emphasizing including only essential facts. It was stressed to avoid judgmental or insensitive language and steer clear of sensationalism.
She advised against featuring terms like "suicide" or "nagpakamatay" in headlines and cautioned against giving prominent coverage, such as front-page placement in newspapers or main segments in broadcasts.
