The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Information, has begun a two-day workshop in Kano to train journalists on how to report stories involving children responsibly.
Speaking at the opening, UNICEF’s Kano Field Office Head, Rahama Muhammad, stressed that reporting on children should prioritise their safety over sensational headlines.
“Ethical journalism builds trust, protects the vulnerable, and strengthens social cohesion,” he said. “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.”
Muhammad cautioned against publishing children’s names, photos, or any details that could expose victims of abuse or conflict, warning that such practices could cause lifelong harm.
He also called on journalists to support laws protecting children’s rights, adding that those who spread harmful content about children online risk facing prosecution.
Also speaking, Toye Falayi from the Federal Ministry of Information urged journalists to balance storytelling with integrity.
“As journalists, you have a critical role in safeguarding children’s rights and influencing decisions affecting them,” he said.
The workshop, which continues through Tuesday, focuses on child protection laws, ethical principles, and professional standards for reporting in Nigeria.
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