The suicide stats aren’t just untrue, they are potentially self-fulfilling. They promote suicidal ideation.
Samaritans' guidance is well established & is not a stylistic guide. It is based on the fundemental principles of supporting vulnerable people, especially children and young people who are experiencing emotional distress. The reason why Samaritans advise not drawing causal links is because vulnerable people are susceptable to identifying with this and thus the risk of them self-harming etc is increased.
It is well accepted that children and young people questioning their gender identity are particularly vulnerable. How is it possible that those who claim to promote their rights are so reckless in the constant repeating rates of suicide ideation rates with apparent disregard for the impact on this group?
www.samaritans.org/media-centre/media-guidelines-reporting-suicide
Following his comments in The Guardian article which predicted a 'flurry of suicides' Stephen Whittle (Press for Change and Govt legal expert adviser for transgender reforms) was challenged on an FWR thread about irresponsible suicide comments & the potential impact on vulnerable people within the transgender community.
He considered the points made, acknowledged the importance of Samaritans' guidance and the basis which informs them.
Stephen Whittle returned to the thread to advise that he had contacted the Guardian to request his comments be edited in the following manner:
(extract)
"It has been brought to my attention that my response conflicts with the IPSO/Samaritans Guidance on reporting about Suicide, which say at
Point 2:
“there is a risk of imitational behaviour due to ‘over-identification’.
Vulnerable individuals may identify with a person who has died, or with the circumstances in which a person took their own life.
For example, combining references to life circumstances, say a debt problem or job loss, and descriptions of an easy-to-imitate suicide
method in the same report, could put at greater risk people who are vulnerable as a result of financial stress.”
And at point 3:
Over-simplification of the causes or perceived ‘triggers’ for a suicide can be misleading and is unlikely to reflect accurately the complexity
of suicide.
For example, avoid the suggestion that a single incident, such as loss of a job, relationship breakdown or bereavement, was the cause.
And at point 5:
“Be careful not to promote the idea that suicide achieves results.”
It is clear in retrospect that my comment was ‘ill thought out’ and completely inappropriate, as it could lead vulnerable and/or young trans people to consider taking their own lives, and clearly nothing could be further from my wishes. It should not have been printed.
To ensure that my comments, and your publication, meets with the IPSO/Samaritans guidance, I would be very grateful if you would amend the online comment, removing any reference to attempts or suicide" (continues)
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3397010-Guardian-article-on-MPs-concern-with-GRA?pg=7