News
2021
Media Alert: Mindframe reminder on reporting suicide and sexual assault
Australian media professionals are reminded to apply the Mindframe guidelines in the ongoing reporting of suicide and sexual assault. While these stories are of public interest, it is important media report responsibly as they continue to develop.
Prominent and sustained coverage and continued public discussion can have an impact on whole communities as well as individuals who have experienced sexual assault, suicide, and mental ill-health.
Media Alert: Reminder for media to avoid speculation regarding suicide
Recommendations for safe and sensitive reporting include waiting for confirmation from official sources that a death is a suicide. Media should also refrain from speculating about motivation or the events leading up to a person’s death. Suicide is complex and those who die by suicide are likely to have multiple risk factors affecting them and fewer protective factors to mitigate those risks.
Media Alert: Reminder on safe reporting of coronial inquest into Perinovic family deaths
The Mindframe team reminds media professionals of the importance of avoiding the inclusion of explicit information that may be harmful to vulnerable audiences. This includes detailed descriptions of the method of suicide, as it may lead to imitation and an increased risk of distress to vulnerable community members.
2020
Message from the Mindframe team this festive season
With 2020 drawing to a close, we would like to thank everyone who has engaged with Mindframe this year and worked to ensure responsible reporting and communication about suicide, mental ill-health and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD).
Media Alert: Reminder for reporting on the suicide death of Melinda Coleman
While the unexpected death of Melinda Coleman, mother of Netflix star Daisy Coleman, is a story of public interest and will receive ongoing coverage, it is important media report responsibly.
Winners of this year’s Mindframe for Journalism Education categories at 2020 Ossie Awards announced
The Awards program recognises the best work of student journalists in Australia. Each year Mindframe presents two prizes for safe and responsible mental health and suicide prevention reporting to an undergraduate and postgraduate recipient.
Mindframe team presents to leaders in journalism research, practice and education
The annual JERAA Conference is an opportunity to learn from leaders in journalism research, practice and education. Dr Elizabeth Paton will be presenting three papers on Friday, 4 December.
Media Alert: Reminder for safe reporting on the death on youth
The Mindframe team wish to acknowledge the grief and loss of family, friends and community who have been impacted by the recent death of a young Aboriginal girl as reported in the media.
Media Alert: Release of ABS Causes of Death data 2019
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has today released its 2019 Causes of Death data, which includes annual, national and state suicide information.
Media Alert: Mindframe advice for the safe reporting of suspected accidental drug overdoses in NSW, Central Coast
Australian media are reminded to report sensitively on the recent suspected accidental drug overdoses in Budgewoi (NSW, Central Coast). Evidence suggests that the way in which a person who uses alcohol and other drugs is described, can impact an individual’s self-esteem, shape community perceptions, increase stigma and decrease help-seeking behaviour.