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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 illness and suicide in the Australian media.

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

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 the powerful video above

Watch more videos.

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 the powerful video above

Watch more videos.

Report a media item

If you find media coverage that stigmatises mental illness 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 illness 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 illness 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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Name of the publication or TV or radio program or channel*
Please enter the publication or TV/Radio Program you are reporting.

Where did you see the media item?*
Please let us know where you saw the media item.

Title of the article*
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Name of the presenter or journalist (if appropriate)
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Date of publication or broadcast*
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Page number or time of broadcast*
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First Name*
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Last Name*
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Email*
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Stigma files

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StigmaWatch for Alcohol and Other Drugs

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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.

Description of the incident in the media you are reporting and how you feel this impacts on the community*
Please enter a description of the incident you are reporting.

Name of the publication or TV or radio program or channel*
Please enter the publication or TV/Radio Program you are reporting.

Where did you see the media item?*
Please let us know where you saw the media item.

Title of the article*
Please enter the title of the article or program.

Name of the presenter or journalist (if appropriate)
Invalid Input

Date of publication or broadcast*
Please enter the date.

Page number or time of broadcast*
Please enter the page of the publication or time of the broadcast.

First Name*
Please enter your first name.

Last Name*
Please enter your last name

Email*
Please enter a valid email address.

Newsletter Subscription
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State
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Please tick the spam-check below*
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Required Field *

Useful Resources

illustration of man trees and signposts

Need Help?

Adult

Youth

Need Help?

Adult

Youth

Useful Resources

illustration of man trees and signposts