The United Nations Children’s Fund has appealed to journalists to adhere to ethical best practices when reporting issues involving children, particularly survivors of abuse and violence. The appeal was made today during a Northeast and North Central Regional Workshop on Ethical Reporting of Children going on in Gombe state.
Delivering a Keynote on behalf of the UNICEF Country Representative, a communications consultant, Sussan Akila, emphasized that responsible reporting is essential in protecting children and supporting their development, especially those affected by crises.
Akila noted that “journalists often operate in difficult environments where access to information may be limited, particularly during conflicts or attacks. Despite these challenges, media practitioners must ensure that the information released does not further harm victims.
She said ethical reporting should begin with empathy, urging journalists to consider how their reports, photographs, and headlines may affect the lives of the children involved.
Akila, therefore, encouraged journalists to view ethical reporting not only as a professional responsibility but also as a humane obligation that contributes to healing and protection for vulnerable children.
