The Directorate of Health
Suicide Prevention: Recommendations for Members of the Media
24th February 2025
Lífsbrú – Centre for Suicide Prevention at the Directorate of Health has published new guidelines on responsible media coverage of suicide. These recommendations are based on a handbook from the World Health Organisation, which was translated and adapted by Lífsbrú – Centre for Suicide Prevention. The project involved extensive collaboration with the media, the country's leading experts in suicide prevention, and individuals with personal experiences of loss due to suicide.
-Automatic translation
The handbook is organised in an accessible and practical manner; for instance, the main points are summarised on one page, outlining dos and don’ts regarding what is advised and what should be avoided in discussions about suicide.
The Icelandic version includes special appendices, such as suggestions for text to include in discussions, examples of content detailing where to seek help, a list of resources, and more. Consequently, the handbook can assist journalists in their work, and it is also intended to introduce the material into undergraduate journalism courses at the University of Iceland.
On the occasion of the publication of the recommendations, representatives from the media were invited to an introductory meeting at the headquarters of the Directorate of Health. Since then, the material has been presented to the media that requested it. Presentations have taken place on-site with a representative of Lífsbrú in attendance. An online presentation can also be arranged, which is particularly suitable for media outside the capital region.
Recommendations for journalists will exclusively be available in electronic format on the websites of the Directorate of Health and the Icelandic Journalists' Association.
Inquiries regarding the new recommendations may be directed to lifsbru@landlaeknir.is. Requests for a presentation of these recommendations may also be sent to the same email address.
Guðrún Jóna Guðlaugsdóttir, project manager for suicide prevention at Lífsbrú - Center for Suicide Prevention