Media guidelines in Ireland

Research evidence shows that certain types of media depictions, such as explicitly describing a method, sensational and excessive reporting, can lead to imitational suicidal behaviour among vulnerable people.

In contrast, coverage describing a person or character coming through a suicidal crisis can serve as a powerful testimony to others that this is possible, and can encourage vulnerable people to seek help.

Samaritans’ media guidelines for reporting suicide for Ireland offer practical advice on how to reduce the risk of media coverage negatively impacting on people who may be vulnerable.

For more information on latest statistics on suicide and self-harm in Ireland visit the National Suicide Research Foundation or the Central Statistics Office.

These 10 top tips and Samaritans’ resources for journalists reinforce industry codes of practice to support the highest standards of safe coverage of suicide.

Download additional guidance for reporting or depicting suicide and self-harm safely and responsibly in Ireland.

The following codes of practice relate to media coverage of suicide for Ireland:

• Press Council of Ireland (clause 10)
• Broadcasting Authority of Ireland

Samaritans collates suicide statistics for the UK, its nations, and the Republic of Ireland. A summary of the key facts and trends from suicides that occurred in the UK and Republic of Ireland in 2018 is available here.

For journalists, please refer to our Suicide facts for journalists and programme makers for facts and figures that explain more of the context surrounding suicidal behaviour.

For further information on reporting or depicting suicide and self-harm safely and responsibly in the UK, see Samaritans’ media guidelines.