Kolkata social workers call on journalists to protect child dignity and rights while reporting

At a media sensitisation workshop and meeting organised by social workers and media persons, they stressed the importance of maintaining dignity and protecting child rights while reporting on children and their issues.

They urged journalists to exercise greater sensitivity and responsibility and warned that careless disclosures can cause lifelong trauma for harmless children. Many highlighted that even if media persons refrain from publishing the name and blur out photos, they use other indicative details which can easily reveal the identity of the child and put them in harm’s way.

The workshop was organised by the Child in Need Institute (CINI), where panellists spoke about both the legal and moral obligations of every journalist while reporting on any issue involving minors.

Child in Need Institute CEO Dr. Indrani Bhattacharya and founder Dr. Samir Chaudhuri with Snehasis Sur, President of Press Club Kolkata, discussing media sensitisation on child safeguarding.
| Photo Credit:
Debasish Bhaduri

Dr. Samir Chaudhuri, founder of CINI, underlined the principle of treating children as equals. “When we write about children, we must ensure they do not face physical or mental harassment. Their dignity, privacy and identity must always be protected,” he said.

CINI CEO Dr. Indrani Bhattacharya reminded journalists that laws like the Juvenile Justice Act and the POCSO Act lay down clear restrictions. “These are not just legal requirements but moral responsibilities. Every child has the right to refuse. Consent is not optional—it is central to ethical reporting,” she said.

Press Club Kolkata president Snehasis Sur cautioned that the race for virality often erodes ethics. He noted that often journalists coax children or other sources to say things that suit the narrative of their story, leading to false narratives and forcing the minor to say things they can regret in the future. 

Retired IAS officer and child rights worker Nilanjana Dasgupta pointed out that even suggestive details can stigmatise children. “If you give indicative details about a child’s life, it can lead to backlash at school or at home. Journalists must remember that a child’s identity goes beyond the immediate story,” she said. She also said that the consent of the child and their guardian is crucial in any media reports to ensure that child is safeguarded even after the news cycle is over.

The panel also reminded reporters to shift focus from “pity stories” and instead highlight the stories of resilience. They emphasised that multiple retellings of abuse incidents retraumatise children and should be avoided.

As one media professor observed, journalists often follow rules out of fear of the law rather than from a moral standpoint. The session called for introspection and reaffirmed that responsible journalism is crucial not only for protecting minors but also for upholding the credibility of the media.