Unlike other drugs, both licit and illicit, volatile substances are easily accessible and are found in everyday products around the home, garden and workplace. Volatile substances can be purchased from a wide range of retailers including supermarkets, hardware stores, petrol stations, discount retailers, delicatessens and newsagents. Many are also available to purchase online. As these products have legitimate uses, they need to be publicly available.

Many young people are not aware of these products as intoxicating substances, so it is important that media reporting does not inadvertently raise young people’s awareness to a harmful practice they may not have previously had knowledge of.

Harmful reporting

Reporting that may potentially contribute to raising awareness includes any report that makes reference to:

• brand/product names
• the purpose or context of a product’s use
• where to purchase the product
• the cost of the product
• method of use, such as how to inhale or access the substance from its container
• effects of inhaling the product (i.e.: can cause intoxication).

Such information is not essential for reporting on the practice, however in some circumstances, such as in the case of a death attributed to the inhalation of a particular substance, reference to a specific substance may be unavoidable.

Detailed accounts not only inform young people of specific products for use, where to source them and how little they cost, but that cheap and easily accessible products can be used for the purpose of intoxication.

Wherever possible, it is preferable to use broader descriptions of the practice such as 'inhalant use' and to refer to the product as an inhalant, solvent, gas or aerosol product.

Alternative focus

Reports should instead focus on the danger of the practice and the importance of seeking assistance wherever necessary, including calling for an ambulance in a medical emergency or seeking help from an alcohol and other drug professional for information and support.

To avoid unnecessarily increasing local concerns and potentially stigmatising the community, the location of the story should not be on the front page or used in headlines. Repetition of coverage is also discouraged to avoid normalising the behaviour in any given locality.

There are a range of media guidelines to assist in the responsible reporting of VSU issues. Mindframe and the Australian Press Council both have information to guide the media in how they report on alcohol and other drug use and related issues. These can be applied to VSU with the additional considerations of avoiding descriptions or depictions of VSU products or methods of use. 

Mindframe guidelines

Mindframe for Alcohol and Other Drugs: Guidelines for communicating about alcohol and other drugs has been designed to support, inform and empower media to report safely and responsibly on AOD in ways that minimise harm, stigma and discrimination while maximising help-seeking behaviour.

It includes information about:

• helpful and harmful ways of communicating about AOD
• appropriate language
• promotion of help-seeking information.

Australian Press Council guidelines

The Australian Press Council has published the following guidelines for reporting about drugs and drug addiction.

• Responsibly report public debate about drug use and addiction

• The harmful effects of any particular drug should not be exaggerated or minimised

• Avoid detailed accounts of consumption methods, even though many young people are generally familiar with them

• Outlining the chemical composition of a drug may be justified in some reports, but avoid providing any details which could assist its manufacture

• Do not quote the lethal dose of any particular drug

• Guard against any reporting which might encourage readers' experimentation with a drug, for example, highlighting the 'glamour' of the dangers involved

• Highlight elements of a story which convey the message that preventive measures against drug abuse do exist, and that people can be protected from the harmful consequences of their addictive behaviours

• Bear in mind the arguments of those who point out that tobacco and alcohol use and addiction are another major aspect of the drug story.

Source: Guideline: Drugs and drug addiction, Australian Press Council (2011).

As a local service provider, you may be contacted by the media to comment on a VSU issue in your location. While your first instinct may be to raise community awareness to the issue, this may inadvertently cause more harm than good.

The guidelines below can assist agencies to reduce the negative impact of sensational stories about VSU.

• Appoint a media liaison person to manage media requests.
• Ensure all staff are aware of the agency’s media liaison procedures.
• Develop a positive relationship with local editors and reporters.
• When contacted by the media, provide them with a link to Volatile Substance Use Factsheet: Information for media in Western Australia.
• If necessary, prepare a media statement, which should be approved by your agency’s media team and senior management prior to release.
• Provide staff with training in media management.
• Balance negative stories by providing positive news stories about young people and agency work.

For further information or support, contact the Media and Communications Team at the Mental Health Commission.

Promoting local contact numbers

Media outlets should be encouraged to provide contact details for counselling, referral and further information about volatile substances.

In Western Australia these are:

Alcohol and Drug Support Line (ADSL)

(08) 9442 5000 or 1800 198 024 (toll free for country callers)

The Alcohol and Drug Support Line (ADSL) is a confidential, non-judgemental telephone counselling, information and referral service for anyone seeking help for their own or someone else’s alcohol and or other drug use. The ADSL provides support to health professionals working with individuals and families impacted by alcohol and/or other drug use.

Parent and Family Drug Support Line (PFDSL)

(08) 9442 5050 or 1800 653 203 (toll free for country callers)

The Parent and Family Drug Support Line (PFDSL) is a confidential, non-judgemental telephone counselling, information and referral service for anyone concerned about someone else's alcohol and/or other drug use. Callers have the option to talk to a qualified counsellor or a parent and family peer volunteer.

Here for you Support Line

1800 here4u (1800 437 348)

The Here For You Support Line is a confidential, non-judgemental telephone counselling service for anyone in Western Australia seeking help for their own or someone else’s mental health, alcohol and or other drug related challenges. Here For You also helps other service providers with system navigation and information to facilitate support for clients. A free call back referral service is also available.