In conjunction with our 2018 Adolescent Mental Wellness Conference: Overcoming Cultural Barriers to Access, we recently held "Media & Youth Suicide: Best Practices for Reporting and Storytelling" a pre-conference symposium. This invitation-only event was dedicated to promoting responsible portrayals of youth suicide in the media. It took place on April 26, 2018 at Microsoft's Sunnyvale campus and included a predominately regional mix of representatives from news media, entertainment media, social media, schools of journalism, youth, and mental health experts.

Key takeaways from the event 

• First person perspectives from youth on media influence
• Explore the link between media reporting/portrayal of suicide and mass shootings and public health.
• Develop a trusted regional network of media partners & mental health professionals
• Engage in skill building for early career journalists & senior professionals
• Uncover and highlight shared challenges in following best practice guidelines
• Review examples of compelling, non-stigmatizing story ideas