UNICEF national workshop on ethical reporting of children has urged journalists in Nigeria to put the safety, dignity and best interests of children at the centre of news reporting.
Forty journalists from the North Central, South East and South South geopolitical zones attended the two-day workshop in Port Harcourt from 19 to 20 August 2026.
The workshop, organised under the auspices of the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) and UNICEF, brought together journalists from print, broadcast and online media.
Participants examined the legal, ethical and professional responsibilities involved in reporting stories about children.
The UNICEF national workshop on ethical reporting of children featured sessions on child rights, trauma-informed journalism, privacy, public interest and child protection.
Speakers also examined how journalists can report allegations involving children without exposing them to further harm, stigma or exploitation.
Participants agreed that journalists should accurately report allegations without presenting them as proven facts. They should use terms such as “alleged” or “accused” until a competent court establishes guilt.
They also urged journalists to avoid graphic or sensational details that could expose children to additional trauma.
Instead, reports should focus on child protection, access to medical and psychological support, justice and institutional accountability.
The workshop further advised journalists to avoid interviews that could re-traumatise children. They should seek information from appropriate authorities, including the police and recognised child-protection agencies.
Participants also called on media organisations to establish dedicated child-rights desks and adopt internal policies for reporting issues involving children.
They recommended regular training for journalists and editors on child rights, digital safety, privacy, trauma-informed journalism and Nigeria’s legal framework.
The participants also urged UNICEF to work with the Editors’ Guild and involve media owners, publishers and senior managers in future training.
They said stronger involvement from newsroom leaders would help make child-sensitive reporting a permanent part of newsroom practice.
The UNICEF national workshop on ethical reporting of children ended with a renewed commitment to journalism that informs the public while protecting children from further harm.
Participants said responsible reporting should amplify children’s rights and concerns while preserving their dignity, privacy and safety.
