KMSK calls to the media for caution during suicide reporting: Avoid titles, language and sensational images

“Should be avoided sensational titles, languages and images, as well as publishing the details of the act of suicide. At the same time, speculation should be avoided, especially if the case concerns a well - known person. Even public figures have a right to privacy. Lack of professionalism, lack of sensitivity and competition in the media market are factors that contribute to problematic reports of suicide cases. Therefore, journalists and the media must be careful to note sensational reporting, to be careful about using images and videos, to avoid unnecessary details during reporting, as well as quotations or letters of farewell to victims. The media don't publish the photos of victims”, it says in position.

KMSK stresses that reporting cases of suicide is frequent in the Kosovo media, especially in online ones, but that the debate lies in whether these cases should be reported or not, and if so, then how to report it, reports “The Justice Vow”.

According to KMSK, some studies have shown that the writings and television journalists about suicide may be linked to increased attempts at such acts.

However, the debate that continues throughout other societies is whether to report such cases or not and, if so, how to report and what to take care of. Some studies have shown that the writings and television chronics about suicide may be linked to increased attempts at such acts. Journalists and media editorials are not sufficiently informed about how to report on these cases, despite existing code of ethics”, the KMSHK's stance says.

Therefore, given the sensitivity of reporting on such cases and the need for journalists and media to be more cautious, the Council of Written Media of Kosovo ( The KMShK) stands out, saying, among other things, that handling confessions about personal tragedies should develop carefully and only when there is high interest in the matter.

In addition, journalists are said to respect the suffering of victims and the feelings of their families and to show caution with photos and images, and to consider the public's sensitivity during reporting.

Since suicide is not once the result of a factor or event, but of many psychological factors, KMSK stresses that the media should be attentive to explaining these situations.

Further, repetition and constant coverage of such events are said to serve as a incentive for other occasions. Likewise, KMK says the media should keep in mind that such tragedies are not covered in a secular way.

The KMSK's stance says that it should avoid dramatization and deglorification of persons committing suicide and that the media should keep in mind that suicide is not a rational act, but an act of despair.

Also mentioned is the fact that reports of suicide should be used to awareness of how to save lives, one way of providing information about where help can be sought and advice from people who may have problems, and as a result may take the act of suicide.

According to KMSK, in certain cases journalists and media can choose non-reporting suicide as an understandable solution. They should also keep in mind not to heroize or romanticize such cases.

“Beyond reporting on the act, journalists and the media must maintain the privacy of relatives of victims, meanwhile, they must provide information to organisations offering assistance, different aid lines and similar”, the Council's position says.

The Complete Attitude KMSHK's:

“FOLDER

For media reporting suicide cases

KMKK's code of ethics says that handling confessions to personal tragedies should develop carefully and only when there is high public interest in the issue. Journalists must respect people's right to mourn and must report these topics, showing empathy and restraint. Journalists should respect the suffering of the victims and the feelings of their families. Similarly, journalists and media must show caution with photos and images, and should consider the public's sensitivity during reporting.

Suicide is not once the result of a factor or event, but of many psychological factors. The media should be attentive to explain these situations.

Repeating and constant coverage of such events can serve as an incentive for other occasions. Media must keep in mind that such tragedies are not covered sensationally.

The dramatization and cloning of those who commit suicide should be avoided. The media should remember that suicide is, not a rational act, but an act of despair.

Reports of suicide cases need to be used for awareness of how to save lives.

In addition to treating cases with sensitivity, it is good to provide information about where help and advice may be sought from people who may have problems and may, as a result, take the act of suicide.

The titles, language and sensational images should be avoided, as should the publication of details of the act of suicide. At the same time, speculation should be avoided, especially if the case concerns a well - known person. Even public figures have a right to privacy.

Lack of professionalism, lack of sensitivity and competition in the media market are factors that contribute to problematic reports of suicide cases. Therefore, journalists and the media must be careful to note sensational reporting, to be careful about using images and videos, to avoid unnecessary details during reporting, as well as quotations or letters of farewell to victims. The media don't publish photos of the victims.

In certain cases journalists and media may choose non-reporting suicide as an understandable solution. They should also keep in mind not to heroize or romanticize such cases.

Beyond reporting on the act, journalists and media must maintain the privacy of relatives of victims, meanwhile, they must provide information to organisations offering assistance, various aid lines and similar”.