UNICEF Urges Journalists to Protect Children’s Dignity, Avoid Harmful Reporting
UNICEF has called on journalists in Kano and Jigawa States to place child protection at the center of their reporting, emphasizing that children’s dignity and safety must never be compromised for a story. Speaking at a training on Ethical Journalism and Child Rights in Dutse, Dr. Karanveer Singh, UNICEF Field Office Chief in Kano, warned that unethical media practices can have serious and lasting consequences for children.
Dr. Singh highlighted that revealing the identities of vulnerable children, publishing graphic content, or forcing traumatized children into interviews can lead to social stigma, re-traumatization, and psychological harm. Children affected by violence, abuse, or conflict are particularly at risk, and irresponsible reporting can amplify their suffering. “Children are not miniature adults and must be treated with dignity and care,” he stressed, reinforcing the idea that their vulnerability demands special consideration.
The UNICEF official also cautioned against sensational reporting of violent incidents involving children. Graphic images and shocking details, he explained, not only harm the children involved but can instill fear and anxiety in other children and the wider community. Such practices, he noted, undermine the very purpose of media coverage by causing more harm than good.
Dr. Singh urged media practitioners to adopt ethical standards that prioritize children’s well-being over headlines. This includes safeguarding their identities, obtaining proper consent from guardians or caregivers, and avoiding exploitative interviews that pressure children into responding immediately. He encouraged journalists to see themselves as “guardians of children’s dignity,” using their platforms responsibly to highlight issues affecting children while protecting them from harm.
The training underscored that child protection and safeguarding are not optional in reporting—they are essential. By adhering to ethical practices, journalists can play a critical role in ensuring that children’s voices are heard without exposing them to additional risk, trauma, or exploitation. This approach strengthens both public trust and the safety of the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.
This story is a reminder that ethical journalism is a key pillar of child protection, safeguarding children’s rights while informing the public responsibly.
