4 April 2008
Media Advisory
The Ministries of Health, Education and Youth Development wish to bring to media attention resource materials on
reporting suicide available on the Ministry of Health website. http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesmh/1011?Open
There is considerable evidence suggesting a link between certain types of publicity about suicide and a subsequent
increase in the suicide rate.
The attached resource summarises the evidence on the links between the reporting and portrayal of suicide and suicide
contagion/copycat suicide. It also provides information about the causes of suicide and its prevention, common myths,
warning signs and statistics. The resource also provides tips for media reporting or portrayal of suicide.
Further information is available from Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand (SPINZ) www.spinz.org.nz
ENDS