UNICEF has called on media professionals in Nigeria’s Kano and Jigawa states to adhere strictly to ethical reporting standards when covering issues involving children, emphasizing that irresponsible journalism can cause profound and lasting harm.
The appeal was delivered by Dr. Karanveer Singh, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Kano, during a training workshop on Ethical Journalism and Child Rights held in Dutse. Dr. Singh outlined specific practices that jeopardize children’s wellbeing, including the disclosure of their identities, the publication of graphic violent content, and the conduct of insensitive or pressured interviews with traumatized minors.
He warned that revealing a child’s identity, particularly those affected by violence, abuse, or conflict, can lead to severe stigma, social rejection, and re-traumatization. “Children affected by violence, abuse, or conflict are particularly at risk when their stories are mishandled in the media,” he stated. Adding that children are not “miniature adults” and must be treated with dignity and care.
Dr. Singh also criticized sensationalist reporting that dwells on graphic details and disturbing images. Such coverage, he noted, can instill fear and anxiety not only in the children directly involved but also within wider communities. He further condemned exploitative interview techniques where journalists pressure children for immediate, emotional reactions, describing these as unethical and psychologically damaging.
The UNICEF official stressed that ethical journalism mandates the protection of children’s identities, the securing of informed consent from guardians, and the prioritization of a child’s best interests over obtaining headlines. He urged journalists to position themselves as “guardians of children’s dignity,” using their platforms to responsibly highlight child rights issues while ensuring protection remains central to all coverage.
This guidance aligns with international child rights principles and local Nigerian child protection laws, which require media to balance public interest with the safety and privacy of minors. As primary sources of information for many communities, media practitioners in regions like Kano and Jigawa hold significant influence over public perception and policy regarding children’s welfare.
The training underscores a growing effort by child rights agencies to collaborate with the media, providing journalists with the frameworks needed to report sensitively on vulnerable populations. Moving forward, consistent application of these ethical standards is seen as critical to preventing further harm and fostering a reporting ecosystem that genuinely serves the best interests of children.
