News
2021
Media Alert: Reminder when reporting: Port Arthur 25th anniversary
April 28-29 marks 25 years since 35 people were killed and 23 were wounded at Port Arthur, Tasmania. We ask the media to be mindful of the effect the prominence and quantity of reporting being released may have on the community.
Media Alert: Reminder when reporting: Barossa Valley deaths
While the deaths that occurred recently in the Barossa Valley are of public interest and will receive ongoing media coverage, it is important for media to report on this incident responsibly.
Mindframe releases report on quality of Australian AOD media reporting
Mindframe is pleased announce the release of a media monitoring study building on the evidence-base of the impact the Mindframe approach has on media practice. This piece of work has established a baseline dataset of media entries published prior to the implementation of the Mindframe for Alcohol and Other Drugs guidelines.
Celebrity mental ill-health is not entertainment for the masses
Celebrities often generate significant public interest and news headlines, however when these same individuals experience mental ill-health issues or problems it is important to consider how coverage can avoid causing harm.
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.