The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), has officially launched a revised “Guide for Media Practitioners on the Reporting and Coverage of Children”, aimed at preventing retraumatization as well as protecting the rights and dignity of children in media coverage.
“When you report, create article or content, pag hindi po isinaalang-alang best interest of the child—-kung nag iinterview ka ng biktima—-maaaring magkaroon ng retraumatization. Kung nag interview ka naman ng children involved in armed conflict, maaaring mapahamak sya at ma-trace ng mga terorista o armed groups,” CWC Undersecretary Angelo Tapales said in an interview over DSWD-Teleradyo partnership program, “Serbisyong DSWD for Every Juan” on Saturday (May 24).
Undersecretary Tapales said reporting or creating content about victim-survivors of abuse may also lead to bullying or other forms of abuse if personal identity and information of the children are not properly protected.
“Kailangang protektado ang kanilang identity, mayroong anonymity na ipino-promote tayo para hindi sila masadlak sa any untoward incidents na hindi naman sinasadya ng media,” the CWC executive director told the program hosts.
Among the key features of the guide are practical tips and self-assessment questions based on the five key principles of child-rights-based media practice: upholding children’s right to privacy; respecting the child’s agency; encouraging meaningful participation; ensuring dignified treatment; and handling stories with sensitivity.
According to Undersecretary Tapales, videos, photos, or any materials involving children that will be posted or reported must have consent from the parents or guardians and assent from the children.
The CWC official said media practitioners must also evaluate whether the content to be reported will protect or put the child at risk, even when both the parent and child have given consent.
“At the end of the day, media practitioners will serve as the gatekeepers kasi kung may consent man ang parents pero sa tingin mo, batay sa definition ng best interest of the child ay makakasama sa bata kapag inilathala natin. We have to help the parents, too,” Undersecretary Tapales said.
The media covers both traditional media platforms and new media platforms; media practitioners, content creators, and social media influencers, as well as children in need of special protection (CNSPs).
Undersecretary Tapales said this initiative underscores the government’s continued commitment to upholding children’s rights and fostering a protective environment, both offline and in media spaces. (YADP)