DOH sets rules for ethical suicide reporting

MANILA, Philippines — As part of efforts to curb the rising prevalence of suicide in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) has issued guidelines on ethical and responsible suicide news reporting.

“It is important that those at risk are not exposed to articles or movies that encourage or give instructions on suicide. These guidelines are one of our interventions for suicide prevention as the department continues to develop and implement its National Strategic Plan for Suicide Prevention and Control,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said yesterday.

Based on current evidence, Vergeire said, there is a connection between suicide content in the media and the risk of death by suicide.

As a powerful means to transmit information and influence its audience, media is also seen as an effective tool to responsibly report suicide, she said.

In 2019, the suicide rate in the Philippines was 2.5 per 100,000 population.

The DOH, she said, came out last March 2 with Administrative Order No. 2022-0004 following consultations with media practitioners, mental health professionals, the Australian government and World Health Organization (WHO).

She said the guidelines were released in support of the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 11036, the Mental Health Act.

Acting WHO country representative Dr. Rajendra Yadav said traditional and new media play a crucial role in preventing suicidal behavior.

“We encourage media practitioners and content producers to focus on suicide prevention strategies and promote general mental health interventions instead of suicide events alone,” he said. 

Australia and the Philippines have a shared interest in fostering Filipinos’ mental health and wellbeing through Project BRAVE (Building COVID-safe Responses And Voices for Equity).

Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson said reporting should be informed by best practices, including delivering accurate and helpful information on mental health and reducing anxiety about COVID-19.