Put Children’s Safety, Dignity First in Reporting, UNICEF Urges Journalists

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has called upon Nigerian journalists to prioritize the safety, dignity, and best interests of children in their reporting. This directive comes after a two-day workshop in Port Harcourt, aimed at promoting ethical reporting of children. The chief of UNICEF's Enugu Field Office, Juliet Chiluwe, emphasized that journalists are vital in shaping societal perceptions, stating that the way they select stories, ask questions, publish images, and amplify voices significantly impacts public understanding of children's issues.

Chiluwe stressed that when a child is featured in media, they should not merely be viewed as a news subject but as a person with dignity, rights, aspirations, and a future. She urged journalists to consider whether their reporting could expose children to additional risks, compromise their privacy or dignity, or cause further trauma. Chiluwe's advice was clear: "When in doubt, protect the child."

The workshop, organized by the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA), aimed to strengthen journalists' capacity in child-sensitive journalism. The BCA's director-general, Apostle Francis Nwubani, highlighted that ethical reporting is both a professional requirement and a moral obligation. He cautioned against sensationalism, inappropriate identification, intrusive interviews, and stigmatizing language, which could exacerbate the trauma of vulnerable children.

Dr. Geoffrey Njoku, in his presentation, listed issues such as early marriage, female genital mutilation, rape, child trafficking, child prostitution, child labor, war, racial discrimination, refugee crises, and displacement as requiring responsible media coverage. He stressed that journalists should avoid sensational reports that might lead to further abuse of children, emphasizing their role as agents of social change to promote, protect, and institutionalize child rights.

Dr. Jide Johnson, addressing the topic of media as protector or violator, stressed that child rights involve the shared responsibility of the state, parents, and society to ensure children's survival, development, protection, and participation. He highlighted education investment as a future-oriented commitment, noting that any harm done to a child today would have long-lasting consequences.

Lanre Idowu, discussing the balance between public interest and child protection, advised journalists to focus on the social problem rather than making the vulnerable child the centerpiece of the story. He emphasized the need to protect children's identities, dignity, and safety while providing truthful and meaningful context.

Participants in the workshop are expected to apply these ethical principles in their newsroom practices, with UNICEF certificates to be awarded at the conclusion of the event.