Sola POPOOLA
Media practitioners have been charged to shun harmful headlines but embrace best practices in child’s rights reporting .
A team of Child’s Rights experts gave this admonition at a two-day pf media practitioners on ethical journalism and child’s rights reporting.
The program was organized by the Child’s Rights Information Bureau of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation ,inconjunction with UNICEF.
In his presentation entitled “Rewriting Harmful Headlines Into Ethical Alternatives” ,Professor Charles Obot of the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies , University of Uyo said : “It is insensitive for a professionally-trained journalist to use negative or harmful news headlines to earn a cover page on his newspaper or headline in his station’s news bulletin solely for vain gratification.
Professor Obot also cautioned against stigmatization any child adding that a child-sensitive reporter or new editor should re-write harmful news headlines about children and young persons.
The media guru charged media to avoid categorizations or descriptions that expose a child to negative reprisals, including additional physical or psychological harm, or to lifelong abuse discrimination or rejection by their local
The University’ don said ,”in Interviewing and reporting on children, special attention should be paid to each child’s right to privacy and confidentiality, to have their opinions heard, to participate in decisions affecting them and to be protected from harm and retribution, including the potential of harm and retribution.
“The best interests of each child are to be protected over any other consideration, including over advocacy for children’s issues and the promotion of child’s rights.”
Dr Jide Johnson, a UNICEF Child Rights Specialist, noted that children remain the most vulnerable to poverty and abuse, adding that ethical reporting plays a key role in addressing issues such as early marriage, trafficking, sexual abuse, and female genital mutilation.
In her keynote address, Celine Lafoucriere, UNICEF Chief of Lagos Field Office stated that it is crucial to report on children ethically to prevent their rights from being violated in the name of attention-grabbing headlines.
“At UNICEF, we believe that every child has the right to be seen, heard, and protected. Ethical reporting is not just a professional standard, but it is a moral imperative. It is about ensuring that children are portrayed with dignity, that their stories are told with care, and that their rights are never compromised in the pursuit of headlines or money-making,” she noted.
“Our expectation is clear, that you leave this training not only with new skills but with a renewed commitment to uphold the highest standards of journalism, especially when it comes to children. We hope you will become champions of ethical reporting in your newsrooms and communities, setting an example for others to follow,” Lafoucriere added.
She further said, “By choosing to report ethically, you are helping to build a Nigeria where every child is valued, protected, and provided the opportunity to thrive.”
Blessing Ejiofor, UNICEF Communication Officer stated that journalists, as champions of human rights, have a responsibility to utilise their platforms to promote positive change for children and families across Nigeria.
Earlier, Ms Sussan Akila, the Acting Chief of Communication, Advocacy and Partnership for UNICEF Nigeria, stressed the importance of responsible storytelling and the need for journalists to remain trusted voices for children.
“Children are often called the leaders of tomorrow, but can they represent themselves? No. That is why we must ensure that when we speak for them, we do it right. When we don’t report responsibly, we may cause more harm than beneficial effects. Ethical reporting protects their rights, ensures justice when violated, and keeps them safe in the process,” she said.
Ogbodo Nnam, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, said that the media’s expertise was in the area of ethical reporting of child protection.
Nnam, represented by the Assistant Director/Head of the Child Rights Information Bureau of the ministry, Temitoye Falayi, said the training was designed to help in reflecting on the ethical obligations as journalists.
He said the goal is to “explore best practices for reporting on children’s issues, and strengthen our understanding of child rights as enshrined in national laws and international conventions.”
According to him, “The media holds immense power, the power to inform, inspire, and hold institutions accountable.” But with that power comes a profound responsibility: to report with integrity, sensitivity, and respect for human dignity.
“When it comes to stories involving children, that responsibility becomes even greater. Every image, every word, and every frame we publish can have lasting consequences on a child’s life, safety, and future.
“Through open discussion, case studies, and shared experiences, we aim to build a media culture that protects children’s identities, amplifies their voices responsibly, and upholds the highest ethical standards,” Nnam explained.