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StigmaWatch

Help tackle stigma in the media that affects us all

What is StigmaWatch?

SANE Australia’s StigmaWatch program was established in 1997 to promote responsible reporting of mental ill health and suicide in the Australian media.

We monitor and respond to reports of inaccurate or inappropriate stigmatising media portrayal of mental ill health and suicide.

In line with the Australian Press Council and Mindframe’s reporting guidelines, we work with media professionals across the country to provide constructive feedback and advice on how to responsibly report stories about mental ill health and suicide.

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Real life impact of stigma

“When we have weeks where the stigma in the media is so continuous, it’s like a wall. It’s like a wall of noise.”

People affected by complex mental health issues and suicide, their families, and other carers tell their stories and speak out about the impact of stigma on their lives.

Peer Ambassador Cameron talks about his experience in this powerful video.

Report a media item

If you find media coverage that stigmatises mental ill health or irresponsibly reports suicide, you can report the item to StigmaWatch using the form below.

Anyone can report a media item to StigmaWatch. If the coverage is found to breach media reporting guidelines, StigmaWatch will contact the media outlet involved with constructive feedback and advice.

We also want to hear about media stories that feature media portrayals of mental ill health and suicide that reduce potential harm and enhance community understanding about the issues so we can congratulate them and further share their stories.

To find out more about media reporting guidelines and the StigmaWatch criteria, see:

StigmaWatch also encourages you to contact the media outlet directly so they can hear firsthand how people are affected by their portrayal of mental ill health and suicide.

All StigmaWatch reports remain anonymous.

Please enter a description of the incident you are reporting.

Please enter the publication or TV/Radio Program you are reporting.

Please let us know where you saw the media item.

Please enter the title of the article or program.

Invalid Input

Please enter the date.

Please enter the page of the publication or time of the broadcast.

Please enter your first name.

Please enter your last name

Please enter a valid email address.

Invalid Input

Invalid Input

Invalid Input

Required Field *

If you are having issues submitting your report, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your StigmaWatch concern.

Stigma files

Useful Resources

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Useful Resources

illustration of man trees and signposts

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StigmaWatch for Alcohol and Other Drugs

Illustration of a woman shining a torch on a newspaper

The StigmaWatch for Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) program has been established to support the media and ensure reporting about alcohol and other drugs in Australia is done so responsibly, respectfully and safely, in order to help reduce stigma and encourage access to support services.

This is a pilot program. The StigmaWatch team will encourage media professionals nationally to familiarise themselves with new Mindframe guidelines for the responsible reporting of AOD to ensure they report accurately on these topics. The StigmaWatch team will monitor and respond to cases of inaccurate or inappropriate stigmatising media portrayal of AOD, with suggested feedback and advice.

If you see inaccurate or stigmatising content in the media relating to AOD, we encourage you to report it to StigmaWatch using the form below.

Report a media item

If you find media coverage that stigmatises those using Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), or stories that report this information irresponsibly, you can alert StigmaWatch by filling in the following form.

Anyone can report a media item to StigmaWatch. If the coverage is found to breach media reporting guidelines, StigmaWatch will contact the media outlet involved with constructive feedback and advice.

StigmaWatch also encourages you to submit news items that cover AOD in a manner that is hopeful, informative and responsible.

To find out more about media reporting guidelines and the StigmaWatch criteria, see:

StigmaWatch also encourages you to contact the media outlet directly so they can hear firsthand how people are affected by their portrayal of AOD.

All StigmaWatch reports remain anonymous.

Please enter a description of the incident you are reporting.

Please enter the publication or TV/Radio Program you are reporting.

Please let us know where you saw the media item.

Please enter the title of the article or program.

Invalid Input

Please enter the date.

Please enter the page of the publication or time of the broadcast.

Please enter your first name.

Please enter your last name

Please enter a valid email address.

Invalid Input

Invalid Input

Invalid Input

Required Field *

If you are having issues submitting your report, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your StigmaWatch concern.

Useful Resources

illustration of man trees and signposts

Need Help?

Adult

Youth

Need Help?

Adult

Youth

Useful Resources

illustration of man trees and signposts