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The studies were designed differently, and were of varying quality, but the researchers were able to allow for that in their analysis. Their analysis is based on the results of 20 studies that compared at least one time point before and up to two months after reports of death by suicide on TV, in print or online news, or in non-fiction books or films. They also assessed whether reporting on the specific methods of celebrity suicide was associated with suicides by the same method, and whether general reporting of suicide (any reporting or general discussion on the topic of suicide) was linked to suicide. To address this knowledge gap, a team of international researchers examined the association between reporting on suicides, especially celebrity suicides, and subsequent suicides in the general population. But until now, evidence of an association between media reporting and suicide has not been entirely consistent. News reporting of suicide has increased substantially in recent decades, and a number of studies have shown instances where media reports about suicide are associated with increased rates of suicide.Īs a result, guidelines for responsible reporting of suicide by the media are now a standard component of many suicide prevention strategies. The researchers say their findings support the continued use and promotion of guidelines on responsible media reporting of suicide, especially when reporting on deaths of celebrities by suicide.Ī linked editorial suggests that tighter control of media reporting of suicide may be required. Media reporting of suicide, especially celebrity suicides, is associated with increases in suicide in the general population, particularly by the same method as used by the celebrity, finds an analysis of the latest evidence published by The BMJ today. Tighter control of media reporting of suicide may be required

Media reports of celebrity suicide linked to increased suicide rates