A Chief Magistrate with the Bauchi State Ministry of Justice, Amina Garba, has urged journalists to exercise caution when reporting cases involving children to prevent the disclosure of their identities.
Garba gave the warning on Wednesday during a training on child protection and the role of the media, organised by the Bauchi State chapter of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
She said journalists must ensure that reports involving children are guided by the principle of the best interest of the child, as provided by law.
According to her, merely blurring the face of a child may not provide adequate protection if other information contained in a report could lead to the child’s identification within the community.
“Journalists must deepen their knowledge of child protection laws and ensure their reports do not expose children to further trauma, harm, stigma or vulnerability,” she said.
The Chief Magistrate also urged journalists to use their platforms to create awareness about child protection laws and familiarise themselves with appropriate mechanisms for reporting and handling cases involving children.
Earlier, the Chairperson of NAWOJ in Bauchi State, Rashida Yusuf, said the training was organised to promote media reporting that protects the rights, dignity and welfare of children.
Participants, Mrs Jennifer Magawata and Beatrice Gondyi, described the training as timely, saying it would strengthen journalists’ understanding of the Child Protection Act and relevant constitutional provisions.
