FG, UNICEF Charge Northern Journalists On Ethical Standards When Reporting on Children
By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola
The federal ministry of information in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and national orientation has called on journalists to clearly imbibe ethical standards when reporting stories involving children, particularly survivors of abuse and violence.
In a two days training workshop comprising the Northeast and North Central Regional the Workshop on Ethical Reporting of Children takes place in Gombe State.
The UNICEF Country Representative, Communications Consultant, Sussan Akila, emphasised that responsible journalism is critical to protecting children and supporting their development, especially those affected by crises.
Akila noted that journalists often operate in difficult environments where access to information may be limited, particularly during conflicts or attacks.
Despite these challenges, she said media practitioners must ensure that information released does not further harm victims.
“The media has the power to shape public discourse and influence how society responds to issues affecting children,” she said.
She explained that ethical reporting should begin with empathy, urging journalists to carefully consider how their stories, photographs and headlines may affect the lives of the children involved.
Akila cautioned against publishing identifiable images or details of child victims, stressing that such actions could expose them to stigma, discrimination and long-term trauma within their communities.
She expressed hope that the workshop would equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to produce responsible stories, headlines and visual materials that prioritise the dignity and safety of children.
Facilitators for the training includes:Dr. Geoffrey Njoku, Dr. Jide Johnson, Mr. Lanre Idowu, and Nansel Nimyel, echoed.They pointed that journalists should ensure they to go beyond conventional reporting by reshaping narratives around children and safeguarding them from emotional harm for a better future.
Speaking with some of the participants,they pointed that the training was timely and it was an eye opener,promising to adhere to all the guidelines from the training.
