A recent string of suicides by the same method in Japan has made headlines in Australian media, including this article from The Australian:  ‘Popular way to die’ 15.4.08. Some readers rightly feared details of how the deaths were caused could potentially act as a ‘how to’, with reference also made to the availability of further information online.

Research has proven that publishing suicide methods corresponds to an increase in deaths by the same means; this is particularly important where the method is not well known and the means easily available to people of all ages.

StigmaWatch contacted The Australian to raise this public health and safety concern and to discourage inclusion of methods in all circumstances.