Journalists Resolve to Strengthen Ethical Reporting of Children

Our Reporter 

Forty journalists from the North Central, South-East and South-South geopolitical zones have resolved to strengthen ethical and child-sensitive reporting to protect children from further harm, stigma and exploitation.

The journalists, drawn from print, broadcast and online media organisations, made the resolutions at a two-day UNICEF/Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) national workshop on Ethical Reporting of Children held in Port Harcourt from August 19 to 20, 2026.

The workshop, facilitated by UNICEF, CRIB and media professionals, focused on child rights, ethical principles, trauma-informed journalism, legal frameworks, child protection policies and balancing public interest with the best interests of the child.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the workshop, participants urged journalists to report allegations involving children accurately, use terms such as “alleged” or “accused” until guilt is established by a competent court, and avoid graphic, sensational or unnecessary details that could expose children to further harm.

They also called on journalists to prioritise the dignity, privacy, safety, medical care and psychological well-being of children, while avoiding interviews or reporting practices that could cause further trauma or re-traumatisation.

The journalists urged media practitioners to seek information from relevant authorities, including the police and recognised child-protection agencies, and to focus reporting on child protection, institutional response and accountability rather than unnecessary details of alleged abuse.

They further encouraged online platforms and bloggers to uphold the same ethical, legal and professional standards applicable to mainstream media.

The participants recommended stronger collaboration between UNICEF and the Guild of Editors, as well as the engagement of media owners, publishers and senior management in institutionalising child-sensitive reporting policies.

They also called on media organisations to establish Child Rights Desks, develop internal child-protection policies and provide continuous training for journalists and editors on child rights, trauma-informed journalism, digital safety, privacy and relevant laws.

The journalists expressed appreciation to UNICEF for sponsoring the training and to the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and CRIB for supporting initiatives aimed at promoting ethical reporting of children.

They reaffirmed their commitment to journalism that informs, protects and empowers children, stressing that the media must amplify children’s voices and expose violations of their rights without becoming a source of further harm.