Media professionals in Kano State and Jigawa State have been encouraged to uphold ethical reporting practices that protect children from harm, stigma, and exploitation.
The appeal was made by Dr. Karanveer Singh, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Kano, during a training session on Ethical Journalism and Child Rights held in Dutse.
Dr. Singh cautioned against unethical media practices such as revealing the identities of vulnerable children, sharing graphic content, and conducting insensitive interviews. He explained that such actions can lead to long-term psychological and social consequences for affected children.
According to him, “children affected by violence, abuse, or conflict are particularly at risk when their stories are mishandled in the media”
He added that exposing a child’s identity can result in stigma, social exclusion, and even re-traumatization.
“children are not miniature adults and must be treated with dignity and care.”
Dr. Singh also criticized the sensational reporting of incidents involving children, noting that disturbing images and explicit details can create fear and anxiety among other children and the wider community.
He further condemned exploitative interviews where journalists pressure traumatized children for immediate responses, describing such behavior as both harmful and unethical.
Emphasizing the responsibility of the media, he stated that ethical journalism involves safeguarding children’s identities, securing informed consent, and placing their well-being above the pursuit of headlines.
He urged journalists to act as “guardians of children’s dignity” and to use their platforms responsibly, ensuring that the protection and rights of children remain central in their reporting.
