Mr. Steve Aborisade, a Child and Media Development Advocate, has called on journalists to uphold the dignity and rights of children by prioritizing their best interests in media coverage.
He made the call during the unveiling of his new book, “Covering Children: Guidelines for Journalists,” on Saturday in Lokoja.
The book serves as a guide to help journalists better understand how to report on issues affecting children’s rights while protecting their identities.
Aborisade emphasized the importance of responsible storytelling when covering children, highlighting the media’s powerful role in shaping public perception and the potential harm of unethical reporting
He noted that the book advocates for respecting children’s rights, protecting their identity, adopting a trauma-informed approach, and balancing public interest with the child’s safety and privacy.
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“Journalists should adopt a trauma-informed approach, always prioritizing the child’s well-being over the story,” he said. “They must also avoid disclosing identifying details that could compromise a child’s privacy or safety.”
Reflecting on his experience with Projekthope and the Wole Soyinka Investigative Reporting Award (now the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism), Aborisade said he was inspired to write the book after witnessing both the power and potential misuse of media when reporting on vulnerable children.
“I’ve seen the media spotlight bring attention and support to those in need,” he said. “But I’ve also seen how easily it can be misused to exploit children who cannot defend themselves.”
The book has earned endorsements from several media and child advocacy experts. Prof. Mojúbàolú Okome of Brooklyn College, CUNY New York, described the book as a vital ethical guide for journalists. Others, including Lanre Idowu, Founder-Trustee of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence Trust Fund, and Akin Jimoh, Executive Director of Development Communications Network and Chief Editor at Nature Africa, praised its emphasis on ethics and child protection.
Aborisade’s work aims to foster a more informed and sensitive media landscape where children’s stories are told with the care and respect they deserve.
NAN
