Media Guidelines

Media Guidelines

Guidelines

Stories in the media on solvent inhalation can lead to both increased use and more harmful practices. The Senate Select Committee On Volatile Substance Fumes Volatile Substance Abuse in Australia (1985) suggests that "...considerable restraint should be exercised in reporting volatile substance abuse."

To enable a more consistent response, identify a spokesperson for your organisation and ask them to familiarise themselves to the guidelines set by the Senate Select Committee:

		*"Products subject to abuse [should] not be described nor depicted.*
		*Reports of inhalant abuse deaths should be factual, and not sensationalised or glamourised.*
		Articles on causalities of volatile substance abuse should not be superficial. The causes are complex, they vary from region to region, and my be different fro each individual involved. Reliable organisations should be contacted for information.
		Stories should include a local contact telephone number or source organisation for further information." (eg WA Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS) and/or the WA Parent Information Service (PDIS). p. v

Rationale

Because most young people do not use solvents and see them as 'gutter drugs', sensational media reporting can accidentally advertise solvent to those who would not otherwise be considering use. Generally speaking, the most harmful behaviours are those which are most likely to reach the attention of the media. While there is an argument that the public should be warned about such behaviours, the evidence generally suggests that the use of this broad-brush approach tends to increase, rather than decrease harm. It is more appropriate to provide more targeted approaches.

To accommodate the media, it may be useful to provide reporters with alternative terms such as substance abuse or sniffing substances.

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