From Abubakar Abdullahi, in Lafia
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has emphasized the importance of ethical reporting on children issues, particularly in northern Nigeria.
At a two-day training session for media practitioners in Kano, UNICEF Chief of Field Office Rahama Mohammed Farah said that responsible journalism is crucial for promoting child rights and building trust in society.
Farah noted that journalists play a vital role in democracy and community service, especially in volatile regions. “The media can either hold people together or drive them apart,” he said, highlighting the need for accuracy, fairness, and balance in reporting.
The UNICEF official emphasized that children are vulnerable and impressionable, and their representation in the media can shape their futures. He urged journalists to prioritize children’s best interests, protect their identities, and avoid sensationalism.
“When reporting on children affected by violence or abuse, it’s essential to protect their identities and avoid publishing information that could stigmatize or re-traumatize them,” Farah said.
He also cautioned against interrogating abused children with questions that might trigger lingering memories of trauma “Instead, journalists should prioritize the child’s welfare and conduct interviews with consent, dignity, and respect”
Farah encouraged media practitioners to fact-check and prioritize accuracy over breaking news. “The story of northwest Nigeria should be one of resilience, community, and hope, not just challenges,” he said.
By adopting ethical reporting practices, journalists can contribute to a more informed and empathetic society, ultimately protecting the rights and dignity of children ¹.
