I’ve just seen a tweet on Mermaids & SG’s twitter that I think breaks the guidelines on discussing or reporting on suicide. Is it only media that have to abide by those guidelines? Is a charity allowed to use false stats etc ?
Samaritans' guidance is good practice rather than 'legislative'. Any adult, charity, organisation would do well to read, understnd and follow their guidance especially those who have contact or influence on vulnerable children & young people.
Professionals working with children and young people follow the guidance, not because it comes from The Samaritans but because it is well-established good Safeguarding practice.
Susie Green, Mermaids as with many prominant trans activists do not understand Safeguarding.
This is one important illustration.
cf Stephen Whittle (Press For Change / Government advisor) / Helen Belcher (Trans Media Watch / Lib Dems)
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3397127-Stephen-Whittle-Press-for-Change-irresponsible-use-of-likely-suicides-follows-Helen-Belchers-Trans-Media-Watch
October 17th 2018 Stephen Whittle joined discussion of his irresponsible comments in GUardian article about 'likely suicides'. He considered the comments by MN posters and the next day requested Guardian edit his piece with this in mind.
1955stephen Thu 18-Oct-18 10:30:40
"In response to some of the considered comments on here, and after thinking carefully so as not to compound the situation and bring more attention to the remark, , last night I wrote the following email to the Society Editor, the Readers Editor and David Batty of the Guardian.
Dear Sirs
You printed a comment by myself in the article by David Batty “Transgender law reform has overlooked women’s rights, say MPs“ at www.theguardian.com/society/2018/oct/17/transgender-law-reform-has-overlooked-womens-rights-say-mps
The comment I made includes an inappropriate reference about the prospect of possible suicides and attempts:
Prof Stephen Whittle, the founder of trans rights group Press for Change, warned that many trans people would “become depressed and dejected” if reform was delayed. He said: “ I am sure there will be a flurry of attempts and suicides. But in the end we will pull ourselves together and continue the campaigning. We know we have Labour behind this one, so will simply do our best to get them elected.”
The original question from David was: “2. What do you think (fear?) will happen if the reforms are derailed, or kicked into the long grass, perhaps as a result of the toxic debate? In other words, what difficulties will this create for trans people?”
I answered the question thinking about “if the reforms were derailed” completely, not just delayed, and even then did not think carefully enough about what my words should be in reply to that question. .
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, so that it now reads:
Prof Stephen Whittle, the founder of trans rights group Press for Change, warned that many trans people would 'become depressed and dejected' if reform was delayed. He said: “In the end we will pull ourselves together and continue the campaigning. We know we have Labour behind this one, so will simply do our best to get them elected.”
Please confirm your response.
All the best
Stephen"
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3397010-Guardian-article-on-MPs-concern-with-GRA
R0wantrees Thu 18-Oct-18 10:44:15
Thank you Stephen I wonder if you could as an urgent priority speak with Susie Green CEO of Mermaids (a charity supporting vunerable children, young people and their families) as she also seems unaware of the guidance.
I trust you will appreciate how important this is in order to safeguard.