StigmaWatch promotes responsible reporting of mental illness and suicide in the Australian media.
Why is StigmaWatch important?
Mental illness and suicide are important issues for media to cover. When the issues are reported responsibly, the media can help reduce stigma surrounding mental illness and raise awareness of suicide prevention activities. However, research shows when mental illness and suicide are reported irresponsibly, media stories can do harm.
What's the process?
If you find media coverage that stigmatises mental illness or irresponsibly reports suicide, you can report the item to StigmaWatch.
Anyone can report a media item to StigmaWatch and 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 illness and suicide that reduce potential harm and enhance community understanding about the issues so we can congratulate them and further share their stories.
