Putting Children in the Right - Guidelines for Journalists Child Rights and the Media

If children’s rights figure prominently in mainstream media it is usually in the context of child abuse, exploitation and sensationalist news making. Children are generally seen and heard at a distance, reflecting a weakness that resonates through any discussion on media and the rights of children, that young people are seldom allowed to speak for themselves. Raising awareness about the rights of children and the promotion of children’s rights is a challenge to media. Media must not just report fairly, honestly and accurately on the experience of childhood, but they must also provide space for the diverse, colourful and creative opinions of children themselves. Whether it is news and current affairs, or the complex world of creative and performing arts, all media professionals, and the organisations for which they work, have a responsibility to recognise children’s rights and reflect them in their work.