Media Ethics: Federal Government and UNICEF Warn Against Harmful Reporting

In a major push for ethical journalism, the Federal Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have jointly urged media practitioners to exercise caution and responsibility in their reportage, warning against narratives that could inflict harm on children and other vulnerable groups. The warning was delivered at a two-day regional workshop for journalists held in Kano, which began on Monday.

The Head of the UNICEF Field Office in Kano, Rahama Muhammad, in a keynote address, emphasized that the media’s role goes far beyond merely providing information. “A sensational headline about a child might sell newspapers, but an ethical story protects the child’s right to a future free from shame and harm,” he stated. He specifically advised journalists to refrain from publishing the names, photographs, or other identifying details of children affected by violence, abuse, or conflict, as this could re-traumatize them and stigmatize their families.

Similarly, Toye Falayi, the Head of the Child Rights International Bureau of the Federal Ministry of Information, called on participants to find a balance between compelling storytelling and maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity. He noted that in the complex and often fragile context of regions like northwest Nigeria, irresponsible reporting can fuel social division and have devastating consequences.

The officials underscored the importance of adhering to the Child Rights Act and other legal frameworks governing the reporting of children in Nigeria. They urged journalists to uphold core principles such as fact-checking, protecting the vulnerable, ensuring balanced reporting, and upholding ethics by holding one another accountable.

The workshop, which drew participants from states across the North-West and North-Central zones, is part of a broader collaboration between the government and UNICEF to raise awareness of child rights issues. Both organizations stressed that the media has a crucial role to play in not just reporting on the challenges facing children but in advocating for solutions that ensure their well-being and dignity are protected. The training is expected to continue with practical sessions aimed at equipping journalists with the skills to report on children in a sensitive, respectful, and ethical manner.