The Federal Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund have cautioned journalists against harmful reportage involving children, stressing the need to prioritise ethics over sensationalism.
The warning came on Monday at the opening of a two-day regional workshop in Kano, organised by UNICEF in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Information.
The training, held at Tahir Guest Palace, brought together media practitioners from Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Head of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, Mr. Rahama Muhammad, described responsible child-focused journalism as “a vital service to democracy and to the community.”
“A sensational headline about a child might sell newspapers,” Muhammad said, “but an ethical story protects the child’s right to a future free from shame and harm.”
He stressed that publishing photographs, names, or other identifying details of children affected by abuse, conflict, or violence could traumatise victims and stigmatise their families. According to him, ethical reporting safeguards dignity, builds trust, and strengthens social cohesion in Nigeria’s diverse society.
“Ethical journalism builds trust, protects the vulnerable, and enhances credibility at a time when misinformation is widespread,” he added.
Muhammad further noted that individuals who post harmful content about children on social media risk prosecution, urging journalists to support enforcement of existing child protection laws.
In his remarks, Mr. Toye Falayi, Head of the Child Rights International Bureau at the Federal Ministry of Information, urged participants to combine compelling storytelling with integrity.
“As journalists, you have a critical role in safeguarding children’s rights and influencing policies that affect them,” Falayi stated. “This training is an opportunity to deepen understanding of child protection laws, ethical principles, and the vulnerabilities of children in Nigeria.”
Falayi acknowledged ongoing collaboration between the media and child rights advocates but said more work is required to ensure children grow up in a safe environment.