By Ramah Mutashi Luka
Journalists have been urged to exercise restraint and protect the dignity, privacy and identity of children when reporting issues involving children and gender-based violence (GBV).
A Chief Magistrate with the Bauchi State Ministry of Justice, Barrister Amina Garba, made the call during a one-day training organised by the Bauchi State Chapter of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
The training, themed “Content and Provisions of Child Protection Law and the Role of the Media Towards Protecting the Child,” was aimed at improving journalists’ understanding of child protection laws and responsible reporting.
Barrister Garba stressed that journalists must always prioritise the best interests of the child in their reportage to avoid causing further harm or exposing children to stigma and other risks.
She explained that the law prohibits the publication of information that could directly or indirectly reveal the identity of a child, including photographs or descriptions that could make the child identifiable.
According to her, Nigerian laws provide several fundamental rights for children, including the right to dignity, privacy and survival, which journalists must respect in their pursuit of news.
Garba also advised journalists to adopt safe and appropriate interview techniques when interacting with children, particularly victims or survivors of abuse.
She encouraged the media to use their platforms to expose child abuse, highlight harmful practices and create greater public awareness about child protection.
The Chairperson of NAWOJ Bauchi State, Gajiya Rashida Yusuf, urged women journalists to familiarise themselves with Nigeria’s child protection laws and ensure that their reportage complies with the provisions of the law.
Some participants, including Jennifer Magari of BRC and Firdausi Bakondi of Eagle Radio, expressed satisfaction with the knowledge gained during the training. They pledged to apply the lessons learned in their daily reportage.