Impact of a National Media Engagement Strategy on Suicide-related Media Reporting, Social Media Content, and Suicide Rates

Impact of a National Media Engagement Strategy on Suicide-related Media Reporting, Social Media Content, and Suicide Rates

Sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention North Dakota and South Dakota Chapters

Date: Monday, December 1, 2025

Time: Noon to 1:30 pm CST

Follow this link for more information: 2025 Dakotas Research Connection Info Flyer.pdf 

Media reporting about suicide can have an impact on suicide rates. Stories emphasizing death and hopelessness can lead to more suicides while stories of resilience and hope can have a positive effect. The impact of a comprehensive media engagement strategy initiated in Canada in 2015 on traditional and social media reporting will be evaluated. Understanding the impact of the media strategy and of different story narratives on suicide rates can inform future reporting.