The tragic death by suicide of a South Australian teenage girl was reported on 2.1.08 by The Adelaide Advertiser, and posted online on Adelaide now. The report, explaining how the girl had taken her life following family pressure to drop abuse charges she had brought, was entitled ‘Suicide girl’s abuse pressure’. StigmaWatchers reported that the method of suicide was included and expressed disappointment in the headline for labeling the child ‘suicide girl’.

StigmaWatch contacted The Advertiser to explain the risks of detailing suicide methods – particularly when the method is one easily replicated by a young person. The need for sensitivity in choosing a headline was also raised. Importantly, the article did offer help lines for people affected by the story.