From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
The United Nation Children Fund’s (UNICEF) Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed has said that the media has the power to amplify the voices of children, highlighting their struggles, as well as bring to attention issues that affect their well-being.
The Country Representative who said this at a two days workshop For South South, South East and North Central Media Partners on ‘Why Ethical Reporting for Children matters in Nigeria’ held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, emphasized the critical role journalists play in shaping public perception and influencing the well-being of children in Nigeria.
Represented by the Chief of the UNICEF Port Harcourt Field Office, Dr Anslem Audu, she maintained that with such great responsibility, it behooves on the media to report on children, and their stories can have a lasting impact on their lives.
According to her, Ethical Reporting builds trust and heals division, noting that in a nation or society with diverse ethnicities, religions, and perspectives, the media is the glue that can hold people together—or the wedge that can drive them apart.
She said, “ethical journalism, characterized by accuracy, fairness, and balance, is the antidote to misinformation and hate speech.
“When you verify a fact before publishing, when you present multiple sides of a story, you are just being professional; you are building a foundation of trust with your audience.
“At the same time, Irresponsible reporting can inflame passions with devastating consequences.
“Ethical Reporting Protects the Vulnerable, especially Children. This is a point close to my heart and the work of our organization. UNICEF. Children are not miniature adults, they are vulnerable, their minds are impressionable, and their futures are shaped by how we represent them.
“Ethical reporting also, means protecting their identity. It means never publishing a child’s name or image in a way that would stigmatize them, expose them to retaliation, or re-traumatize them—especially children affected by violence, conflict, or abuse.
“It means giving them a voice, not speaking for them. It involves interviewing children with dignity and consent, allowing them to share their experiences in a safe and respectful manner. It means prioritizing their best interests.
“You are not just reporters; you are guardians of their dignity. They exist because we have seen damage when they are ignored.
“The ethical approach is to prioritize the child’s welfare. Interviews should only be conducted, if necessary, with the consent of a guardian and a trained psychologist present, in a safe and private environment, and with no pressure.
“A third reason is that Ethical Reporting Enhances Credibility and Professionalism. In an era of “social media chaos” where everyone is a “citizen journalist,” your professional ethics are what set you apart.
“They are your brand. Media houses and journalists known for their integrity have become the go-to sources for truth.
“They build a loyal audience that trusts them not to be swayed by political pressure, financial inducement, or tribal sentiment. This credibility is your most asset.
“I am not blind to the challenges you face. You operate under various pressures, security threats, and sometimes, immense political pressure.
“The temptation to sensationalize, to take shortcuts, or to bow to influence is real.
“But it is precisely because of these challenges that your ethical commitment to reporting, especially of children, matters more, not less.
“Your courage to report truthfully and fairly is a profound act of patriotism
UNICEF’s Commitment to Ethical Reporting. At UNICEF, we believe in the importance of ethical reporting on children. We work with journalists to, build capacity, provide training and resources to enhance knowledge and skills.
“Promote child-centered reporting. Encourage journalists to prioritize children’s perspectives and experiences.
“Support responsible reporting. Foster a culture of ethical reporting that prioritizes children’s well-being.
“As journalists, you have a critical role in shaping the narrative on children’s issues. I urge you to prioritize children’s best interests, ensure that your reporting does not harm or exploit children, seek out diverse perspectives: Include children’s voices and experiences in your reporting.
“Report with empathy and accuracy: Balance your reporting with sensitivity and fact-based information.
“Therefore, as you engage in these two days of training, I urge you to see it not as a critique, but as an empowerment to:
“Be a stickler for fact-checking. In the race to break news, let accuracy be your compass. Always ask yourself: “Am I protecting the vulnerable in this story?” Let the best interests of the child be a non-negotiable principle.
Balance your stories. Seek out multiple perspectives to give your audience a complete picture. Hold each other accountable. Champion ethics within your newsrooms and among your peers.
“Ethical reporting on children is not just a moral imperative; it’s a professional obligation. By working together, we can create a safer, more supportive environment for Nigeria’s children to thrive”.
The Assistant Director/Head of Child Rights Information Bureau, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Temitoye Falayi, said the session brings together journalists, media practitioners and advocates who play vital roles in shaping public understanding, influencing attitudes and protecting the most vulnerable members of the society, the children.
He said the training is designed to help the trainees reflect on their ethical obligations as journalists, explore best practices for reporting on children’s issues and strengthen their understanding of child rights as enshrined in national laws and international conventions.
“Through open discussions, case studies and shared experiences, we aim to build a media culture that protects children’s identities and amplifies their voices responsibly and upholds the highest ethical standards.
He encourage them to engage fully, and reaffirm their commitment to a media landscape that not only informs but also protects and empowers while appreciating UNICEF for sponsoring the event and for the role they have played over time concerning the Nigerian children.
