Impromptu comments should be handled carefully in spite of time pressures
Generalisations based on small figures require particular attention, and expressions such as 'suicide epidemic' or 'the place with the highest suicide rate in the world' should be avoided
Do not report suicidal behaviour as an understandable response to social or cultural changes or degradation
Sensational coverage of suicides should be avoided, particularly when a celebrity is involved. The coverage should be minimised to the extent possible. Any mental health problem the celebrity may have had should also be acknowledged. Every effort should be made to avoid overstatement
Photographs of the deceased, of the method used and of the scene of the suicide are to be avoided. Front page headlines are never the ideal location for suicide reports
Avoid detailed descriptions of the method used and how the means were procured
Suicide should not be reported as unexplainable or in a simplistic way. Suicide is never the result of a single factor or event. It is usually caused by a complex interaction of many factors such as mental and physical illness, substance abuse, family disturbances, interpersonal conflicts and life stressors
