How can media reporting protect children while still telling powerful, important stories?
This was the highlight of the discussion at the DSWD Thursday Media Forum on May 22 as the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), launched the revised “Guide for Media Practitioners on the Reporting and Coverage of Children.”
CWC Undersecretary Angelo Tapales said the guide aims to support journalists, content creators, and social media personalities in promoting ethical, child-sensitive storytelling that respects and safeguards the rights of minors.
“The purpose of this guideline is to create a good image and impression of children. Kayo pong nasa media, whether this is print, radio, television, or advertisement o traditional media, nagke-create po kasi kayo ng impression ng bata sa publiko,” Undersecretary Tapales told reporters during the DSWD Media Forum at the Central Office’s New Press Center in Quezon City.
The CWC official said the guide covers both traditional media platforms and new media platforms; media practitioners, content creators, and social media personalities, as well as children in need of special protection (CNSPs).
The use of the revised Guide for Media Practitioners on the Reporting and Coverage of Children, according to Undersecretary Tapales, is not mandatory but encourages the media to utilize it.
“Hindi naman pupwersahin kayong sumunod ngunit ini-encourage kayong i-consider ninyo para sa ikabubuti ng bata and at the same time it is not an infringement of the freedom of the press and your individual rights to expression,” Undersecretary Tapales told reporters.
The guide includes 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.
A set of additional recommendations when writing, reporting on, or featuring CNSPs—those below or above 18 years old but are unable to fully take care of themselves because of physical or mental disability or conditions; victim-survivors of abuse and exploitation; and children in conflict with the law; children living in alternative care; and children living with human immunodeficiency virus—is also included.
“Ito ay mga questions na itatanong ninyo sa sarili ninyo para sa mga bagay na hindi covered ng guidelines. Habang ikaw ay gumagawa ng article mo, nag-e-edit ka ng video mo, pwede mong itanong sa sarili mo ito para magkaroon ka ng intelligent decision—edit pa ba?; do I publish na?; do I take it down?,” Undersecretary Tapales pointed out.
The CWC executive director emphasized that media outlets will not face penalties for non-compliance unless they breach existing laws, such as the Data Privacy Act.
“Ito pong media guideline natin is a guide for everybody. It should have a persuasive effect. Hindi naman siya mandatory unless you violate for instance the Data Privacy Act,” the CWC official said. (YADP)