Safe Language

Guidelines for talking safely about suicide

At Suicide Prevention Australia we encourage safe language when talking or reporting about suicide.

The media’s reporting of suicide should be done responsibly, and balanced against the public’s ‘right to know’. We all have a role to play in reducing stigma around mental ill-health and suicide, while also promoting help-seeking behaviour.  We acknowledge that the media has a role to play in raising awareness of suicide as a public health and social issue.

Suicide Prevention Australia is a signatory to the National Communications Charter which promotes a common language in mental health, mental illness and suicide.

People who are vulnerable to suicide, or bereaved by suicide, can be particularly impacted by language. For more information visit Mindframe.