Handouts: Principles for reporting childrenJournalists are ADULTS with POWER and RESPONSIBILITIES. As ADULTS we have A DUTY OF CARE to children because they are powerLESS and more vulnerable than adults As MEDIA PROFESSIONALS we are able to reflect upon and publicise the needs of civil society – so we have more ‘power’ than many other adults We also have as much of a duty to provide children with information, visibility and a voice as we have to provide the same for adults. WHEN REPORTING CHILDREN OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES SHOULD BE: · Do no harm to children and young people · Seek appropriate permissions before interviewing children · Treat children as INDIVIDUALS who deserve respect · Children have a RIGHT TO SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES · Make sure children understand WHAT you are doing and WHY · Consider the consequences for the children involved · ACCURACY – always check what children tell you · Include the child’s point of view
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