UNICEF Urges Nigerian Journalists to Put Children’s Safety First in News Reporting

Journalists across three geopolitical zones have pledged to make the safety, dignity, privacy and best interests of children a priority in news gathering and reporting, following a UNICEF-backed media workshop in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Forty journalists from print, broadcast and online media organisations in the North Central, South East and South South zones made the commitment at a two-day national workshop on the Ethical Reporting of Children. The training was organised by the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The workshop focused on improving journalists’ understanding of ethical, legal and professional standards when covering children and issues affecting them. Participants examined child rights, trauma-informed journalism, responsible storytelling, the balance between public interest and child protection, as well as Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework for reporting on children.

Facilitators included UNICEF’s Susan Akila, Temitoye Falayi of CRIB, Dr Geoffrey Njoku of Truevine Communications, former NTA Director Namsel Nimyel, PUNCH journalist Lekan Sote, Lanre Idowu of DAME, Prof. Charles Obot of the University of Uyo and Dr Jide Johnson of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.

The journalists resolved that allegations involving children must be reported carefully and should not be treated as established facts until they have been determined by a competent court. They also urged media practitioners to use terms such as “alleged” and “accused” where appropriate and avoid sensational or unnecessary details that could expose children to stigma, discrimination, exploitation or further harm.

Participants stressed that coverage of sensitive cases should give priority to the child’s protection, medical needs, psychological well-being and access to justice. They also warned against interviews that could cause trauma or re-traumatisation, recommending that journalists seek relevant information from the police and recognised child-protection agencies when necessary.

The workshop further urged news organisations to shift attention from graphic details of alleged abuse to child protection, institutional response and accountability. Participants recommended the creation of dedicated Child Rights Desks in newsrooms to encourage sustained and specialised coverage of children’s rights.

They also called for a long-term partnership between UNICEF and the Editors’ Guild in Nigeria, alongside wider training for media owners, publishers, editors and senior newsroom managers. The participants said management involvement would be crucial to embedding child-sensitive reporting policies across media organisations.

The journalists commended UNICEF for sponsoring the training and reaffirmed their commitment to journalism that informs, protects and empowers children. They stressed that while the media has a duty to expose violations and amplify children’s voices, news coverage must never become another source of harm to the children it seeks to protect.