In the U.S., suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students, the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24 and the 10th leading cause of death overall. Yet covering suicide poses profound challenges for journalists and news organizations. Balancing concerns of privacy, stigma and contagion are all elements of responsible coverage. What other special considerations are necessary when covering suicide? Does that change when the victim is a child? What does the research tell us?
From the World Health Organization and the International Association for Suicide Prevention, this guide presents evidence that media reports about suicide can enhance or weaken suicide prevention efforts.
Journalist specific section of the AFSP website, includes various links to resources for journalists covering suicide and its effect on families and communities.
A list of links and resources from Better Addiction Care, a national network of mental health treatment centers.
2015 datasheet on suicide from the Center for Disease Control.