Impact of Media Guidelines on Suicide-Related Reporting Quality and Suicides: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Suicide-related media reporting can influence suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Stories describing suicide methods can increase suicides (Werther effect), whereas those highlighting coping with suicidal crises can prevent them (Papageno effect). Aims: To assess the impact of media guidelines for suicide reporting on reporting quality and suicides. Method: Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PsycInfo, and Web of Science up to February 10, 2025, with an update on November 17, 2025. We included ecological pre–post studies assessing changes in reporting quality and time-series analyses assessing changes in suicides after guideline release. Random-effects m..