StigmaWatch

The StigmaWatch program promotes responsible reporting of complex mental health issues and suicide in the Australian media. You can help by reporting inaccurate or stigmatising media stories to us.

Become a StigmaWatcher

Report a media item

What is StigmaWatch?

SANE’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.

StigmaWatch is funded by Mindframe, an Everymind program through the National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support Program.

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.

Addressing stigma in the media

Despite recent advances in awareness and understanding, stigmatising attitudes towards people with mental illness are highly prevalent in Australia and often reinforced by the media.

To celebrate 25 years of important work in stigma reduction, StigmaWatch partnered with the Melbourne Press Club to present a media masterclass on stigma.

Featuring SANE ambassador and media personality Osher Günsberg, SANE CEO Rachel Green, Everymind Director Jaelea Skehan OAM and ABC Medical Reporter Sophie Scott, this 60min session covers what stigma it is, what it does, and how the media can help us to eliminate it.

Become a StigmaWatcher

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 positive media stories of mental ill health, suicide and AOD. These are stories that can reduce potential harm and enhance community understanding about the issues. By alerting us to these stories we can work with 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.

Description of the incident in the media you are reporting and how you feel this impacts on the community*

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Publication, tv, radio program/channel or online service*

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Where did you see the media item?*

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Name of the presenter or journalist (if appropriate)

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Page number or time of broadcast (if available)

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Date of publication or broadcast*

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First Name*

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Last Name*

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Email*

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State

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Resources

StigmaWatch Reporting Archives

Browse the archive of StigmaWatch reports and Good News files submitted over the years.

View available archives

Our Impact in FY25

523

StigmaWatch reports

162

Reports Rectified

7,038

StigmaWatch community members

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