Guidelines

The suite of Mindframe national guidelines were developed to support safe and accurate media reporting, portrayal and communication of suicide, mental health concerns and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviour.

The evidence-based resources were developed in consultation with media professionals and peak media bodies, suicide prevention and mental health organisations, lived and living experience networks, and Mindframe advisory groups.

View and download the resources below for easy reference:

Our words matter: Guidelines for language use

A practical, research-informed, and user-friendly resource that is designed for media, researchers, service providers and other communicators. It seeks to inform, support and empower people to select and use words in ways that minimise stigma and harm and maximise diversity of representation. A suite of supporting resources including the Our words matter: Glossary of terms, quick reference guides and language cards complement the guidelines.

Images matter: Mindframe guidelines for image use

A practical, research-informed, and user-friendly resource that is designed for media and other communicators. It seeks to inform, support and empower people to select and use images in ways that minimise stigma and harm, and maximise diversity of representation.

A range of resources have also been developed to support implementation of the guidelines including a checklist, online image collection and guidance cards.

Reporting suicide and mental ill-health: A Mindframe resource for media professionals

These guidelines were developed to support safe and accurate media reporting, portrayal and communication of suicide and mental ill-health.

Mental ill-health and suicide: A Mindframe resource for stage and screen

Mindframe for stage and screen guidelines help to inform safe and authentic portrayals of suicide and mental ill-health for people involved in the development of Australian film, television and theatre.

Mindframe for Alcohol and Other Drugs

The evidence-informed guidelines aim to positively influence the quality of media reporting on AOD-related issues, improve community attitudes towards people living with issues related to AOD use and increase help-seeking behaviour.

Guidelines on media reporting of severe mental illness in the context of violence and crime

This resource empowers safe and responsible reporting on the issues of mental illness in the context of violence and crime.

Guidelines on reporting and portrayal of eating disorders: A Mindframe resource for communicators

This resource provides advice for best-practice reporting and portrayal of eating disorders.