Suicide, attempted suicide & self-harm
Suicide, attempted suicide and self-harm should be portrayed with great sensitivity, whether in drama or in factual programmes. Care must be taken to avoid describing or showing methods in any great detail and content producers should be alert to the dangers of making such behaviour attractive to the vulnerable. Both the on air and online factual reporting and fictional portrayal of suicide, attempted suicide and self-harm may encourage others. The sensitive use of language is also important. Suicide was decriminalised in 1961 and since then the use of the term "commit suicide" is considered offensive by some people, "take one's life" or "kill oneself" are preferable alternatives. We should consider whether to offer a helpline number or provide support material when our output deals with such issues. The Chief Executive of the Samaritans is happy to be consulted by content producers about the portrayal of suicide.
Any proposal to broadcast a hanging scene, portray suicide. attempted suicide or self-harm must be referred to a senior editorial figure or for Independents to the commissioning editor, who should also consult Chief Adviser Editorial Policy.