Madam, - A report in your edition of July 28th, headed "Inquest told of 'cannabis-induced paranoia'", uses the phrase "committed suicide". I wish to point out that suicide was decriminalised in Ireland in 1993 and therefore the term to "commit suicide" is no longer appropriate.
Following the recent launch by the Irish Association for Suicidology and the Samaritans of "Media Guidelines for the Portrayal of Suicide", I feel that a concerted effort is needed to ensure that suicide is reported not only in line with these guidelines but with the sensitivity it requires.
I understand that the use of such terms is very often unthinking, but I feel strongly that we all need to play a role in challenging the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding suicide. In line with the guidelines may I suggest when reporting in the future on suicide, phrases such as "died by suicide", "completed suicide", "took his/her life" are used. A copy of the guidelines is available on www.ias.ie and is essential reading for all those working in the media.
It is only through the continued effort by organisations such as the National Youth Health Programme and others that we can continue to strive to prevent suicides and address the issue.
Co-ordinated action by all parts of society including yourselves is of vital importance in this work. - Yours, etc,
LYNN SWINBURNE, National Youth Health Programme, National Youth Council of Ireland, Montague Street, Dublin 2.