A new report released by Mindframe, following a comprehensive media monitoring study, is set to build on the evidence-base of the impact that Mindframe’s approach has on media reporting of alcohol and other drugs.
Australian media professionals are reminded to apply Mindframe guidelines when reporting on the death of Matt Dee, including avoiding speculation on the cause of death before this has been confirmed by official sources.
Mindframe’s enduring role in efforts to prevent suicide and reduce stigma has been recognised with the program named as Suicide Prevention Australia’s (SPA) Outstanding Contributing Organisation for NSW.
New research has emphasised the need for greater guidance and support for people with a lived and living experience of suicide to safely tell their stories as part of prevention efforts. The study, published this week in the journal BMJ Public Health, also reinforces “the need for a nuanced and ethical approach to public discussions about suicide – one that prioritises dignity, agency and the well-being of those sharing their stories while fostering meaningful social change”. The research, carried out by Everymind in partnership with members of its Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG), found that appropriate support and guidance was essential for people with lived and living experience “due to the unique nature, skillset required and demands of public storytelling”.
Australian media professionals now have access to a new guide featuring advice to support safe and responsible reporting about medically assisted weight loss. The way stories about medically assisted weight loss are shared with the community can influence weight stigma, increase risks around eating disorders, and spread inaccurate information. Developed in partnership with the National Eating Disorders Collaboration, this free resource features advice designed to promote informed, health-focused, and supportive messaging that prioritises safety, inclusion, and overall wellbeing.
New research has identified significant room for improvement in how Australian news organisations portray mental illness and suicide on social media in ways that reduce audience exposure to content that could perpetuate stigma and cause harm.
Australian media professionals now have access to a new guide featuring advice to support safe and sensitive communication about child and youth suicide.
Australian media professionals now have access to a new quick reference guide featuring advice to support sensitive, respectful and safe communication about suicide and mental health concerns in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and other sexuality, gender, and bodily diverse (LGBTIQA+) communities.
Australian media professionals are reminded to apply Mindframe guidelines when reporting on the NSW Coronial Inquest into the deaths of seven people during the incident that occurred at Westfield Shopping Centre, Bondi Junction on 13 April 2024.
Due to the nature of Bondi Junction Inquest, which is due to commence on Monday 28 April, the investigation process is likely to include a focus on the mental health history of the man responsible for the violent attack.
Media professionals are reminded to refer to and apply the Mindframe Guidelines on media reporting of severe mental illness in the context of violence and crime, and to remain mindful of their important role in challenging stigma and stereotypes about mental illness.
Given that media portrayals of mental illness linked to violence can be among the most stigmatising, it is important that these stories are covered safely and responsibly.
Download the media alert via the link below to read more including specific guidance for covering these kinds of cases.
As two organisations working together on the Mindframe initiative to improve media reporting and reduce stigma around mental illness, SANE Australia and Everymind remind the media and organisations advocating in this space to take care with how people living with mental illness are framed.
The StigmaWatch program has received numerous reports from community members with concerns about current reporting on mental health concerns in relation to the upcoming Federal election, the Bondi Junction anniversary and forthcoming inquest, recent NSW psychiatrist resignations and doctor strikes, and broader mental health reforms.
Read more.