UNICEF Charges Journalists To Shun Reports That Traumatise Children
By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has called on journalists to adopt ethical reporting of issues affecting children so as not to traumatise them and leave lifelong scars that would weigh down their future.
According to UNICEF Chief, Kano Field Office, Mr. Rahama Farah, this is necessary especially in cases of rape, molestation, stealing and other traumatic experiences.
He said protecting the rights of such children was necessary, so that they could build the appropriate confidence to look at the society more confidently and contribute productively to its growth as they grow up.
Farah said this when he delivered an address at the opening of a two-day training on “Ethical Journalism And Child Right Reporting”, organized by UNICEF and Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation for media practitioner from across Northern states, in Kano.
He said reports that put children in harms way or leave life long scars should be professionally handled taking into cognisance the fundamental rights of the children and ethics of the journalism profession.
The UNICEF chief said reports that directly involve children such as rape, stealing and other traumatic and scaring issues often lead to serious negative effects on the children and as they grow into adulthood.
Farah, therefore, said it was very important for reporters and editors to avoid presenting reports in ways that may scare children from going to school or traumatize them into losing confidence in themselves and the future of society.
According to him, ethical reporting builds confidence, heals divisions, eliminates misconceptions, and paves the way for an ideal society where children and everyone can live happily with hope for a better and sustainable future.
“Professional journalists are always expected to take cognizance and avoid publishing stories about children—such as victims of sexual abuse or molestation—with their full details, images, or any information that could subject them to community stigmatization, gossip, or lasting social deprivation,” he said.
“In Nigeria, we know journalists are operating in a complex society with multidimensional challenges. Therefore, they must always remain guided by the fundamental ethics of the profession to achieve sustainable campaigns against child abuse.”
The UNICEF chief charged the participants to become champions in the fight against unethical reporting in both the mainstream and social media to safeguard the rights of children and everyone in the society.
