Press code of practice updated due to Bridgend suicides

The second edition of the PCC's guide to its code for editors, first published in 2005, contains for the first time a briefing on media coverage of suicide. It flags up an addition to the code on the reporting of suicide, made in 2006, which states that reports should avoid excessive detail on the method of suicides to avoid encouraging copycat attempts.

The briefing states that in addition, editors should consider publishing helpline details to direct those at risk, in particular vulnerable young people, towards those who could offer most help.

Anne Parry, chair of Papyrus, a national charity for the prevention of young suicide, said: "We particularly welcome the new separate briefing section on the reporting of suicide. This is a very positive move forward, the outcome of continuing co-operation between those working to protect and promote the wellbeing of vulnerable people and those around them, and those organisations that deliver the nation's news."

Paul Dacre, chair of the Editors' Code of Practice Committee and editor of the Daily Mail, said: "By any standards, [the Bridgend suicides] was a tragedy of national importance and media coverage reflected that. But though it was a legitimate subject to address, issues of insensitivity arose.

"We have addressed those in the code book with important new guidance that highlights press activities that can cause unintentional distress. And shows how editors can avoid this."