Media practitioners in Kano and Jigawa States have been urged to adopt ethical reporting standards to safeguard children from harm, stigma, and exploitation.

The call was made by UNICEF Field Office Kano Chief, Dr. Karanveer Singh, during a training on Ethical Journalism and Child Rights held in Dutse on Wednesday.

Singh warned that unethical media practices such as revealing identities of vulnerable children, publishing graphic content, and conducting insensitive interviews can cause lasting psychological and social damage.

According to him, “children affected by violence, abuse, or conflict are particularly at risk when their stories are mishandled in the media”

He said exposing a child’s identity could lead to stigma, social rejection, and even re-traumatization.

“children are not miniature adults and must be treated with dignity and care.”

Dr. Singh also condemned sensational reporting of violent incidents involving children, noting that graphic details and disturbing images can instill fear and anxiety among other children and communities.

He further criticized exploitative interviews, where journalists pressure traumatized children for immediate reactions, describing such practices as harmful and unethical.

Singh emphasized that ethical journalism requires protecting children’s identities, obtaining proper consent, and prioritizing their well-being over headlines.

He urged journalists to see themselves as “guardians of children’s dignity” and to use their platforms responsibly to highlight issues affecting children and ensure their protection remains a priority in media coverage.