Journalists Task to Protect Children Through Ethical Reporting
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
Journalists in Northern Nigeria have been cautioned against unethical reporting practices that expose children to stigma, trauma, and harm.
This call was made during a two-day training on Ethical Journalism and Child Rights Reporting held in Kano, organized by the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in collaboration with UNICEF.
Opening the training, Temitoye Falayi, Assistant Director and Head of Advocacy at CRIB, warned that while the media has helped bring attention to the plight of mothers and children, reporting practices that fail to respect children’s rights often do more harm than good.
He stressed that journalists must go beyond headlines and commit to protecting children’s dignity.
“As journalists, you have a unique and powerful responsibility to safeguard the rights of children through your work.
“This requires a deep understanding of child protection laws, ethical principles, and the specific vulnerabilities children face in Nigeria,” Falayi said.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kano, Rahama Mohammed, in his keynote, noted that unethical reporting can worsen Nigeria’s fragile situation, especially in the Northwest where insecurity and tension persist.
He expressed concern over sensational media coverage of child victims, pointing out that revealing their names, faces, or locations often results in lifelong stigma and isolation.
“That kind of reporting re-victimizes children. A sensational headline may sell papers, but an ethical story protects a child’s right to a future free from shame and harm,” he warned.
Both speakers emphasized that ethical journalism is not only about professional standards but also about building trust, healing divisions, and fostering peace in a diverse society.
They reminded journalists that their work shapes narratives that can either unite communities or deepen divisions.
The training was designed to equip participants with practical skills on how to handle sensitive information, interview children with dignity and consent, and apply legal and ethical frameworks such as the Child Rights Act and international conventions.
It also explored responsible ways to report on abuse, exploitation, education, health, and the impact of conflict on children without resorting to sensationalism.
The dialogue offered an opportunity to strengthen media reporting lens, learning how to balance storytelling with the obligation to protect the most vulnerable.
The overall benefit, organizers stressed, is a stronger, more responsible media landscape that can influence policies, promote peace, and secure a better future for Nigerian children.
