If you, or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 000, visit your nearest hospital emergency or contact any of the crisis support services.
Media Industry Codes
Media industry codes set a standard for reporting, portraying or communicating about suicide and mental health concerns in print, broadcast, international and social or online media.
Most media organisations have codes, industry standards or limiting information when referencing or communicating about suicide or mental health concerns to Australian audiences.
The sectors that have codes of reporting include:
- print media
- broadcast media
- international or syndicated media
- social and online media
Print Media
Broadcast Media
- FreeTV Australia
- Commercial Radio Australia Ltd
- Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA)
- Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA)
- Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA)
- The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
- The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS)
- Australian Record Industry Association Limited (ARIA)
International Guidelines
A number of international agencies – including media, suicide prevention and mental health bodies – have developed guidelines for media reporting.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) is dedicated to:
- preventing suicidal behaviour
- alleviating its effects
- providing a forum for academics, mental health professionals, crisis workers, volunteers and suicide survivors.