MJA Issues Advisory on Responsible Reporting of Suicide, Self-Harm

The Maldives Journalists Association has issued a media advisory urging newsrooms to follow strict ethical guidelines when reporting on suicide and self-harm, warning that irresponsible coverage can lead to copycat behaviour and deepen trauma for affected families and communities.

The guidance, developed in collaboration with the Maldivian Red Crescent, outlines clear standards for journalists and editors amid what the association described as “recent distressing events.”

MJA advised media outlets to avoid publishing details of methods used, explicit images or videos, suicide notes, or step-by-step descriptions of incidents. It also warned against sensationalising cases or using language that normalises or romanticises self-harm.

At the same time, journalists are encouraged to seek input from mental health professionals, remain sensitive to grieving families, and prioritise coverage that highlights resilience and recovery.

The association stressed the importance of including support services in all related reporting, directing media to prominently feature national helplines, including the Mental Health Helpline (1677) and the Ministry of Education helpline (1484).

MJA called on editors to circulate the guidelines across newsrooms, underscoring that adherence to ethical reporting standards is critical to protecting vulnerable individuals.