Media practitioner Patrick Soko has called on journalists across Zambia to prioritize the protection of children’s rights in their reporting, warning that children’s dignity and safety are increasingly at risk in the digital era.
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Soko noted that while journalists are preoccupied with numerous issues to report on, they must not forget their duty to give children a voice and protect them from exploitation.
“As journalists, it is our responsibility to report on children ethically, responsibly and sensitively, especially in this digital era when children’s rights are increasingly at risk of being violated in the name of content creation,” Soko said.
He observed that although Zambia has a strong legal framework for child protection through the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022, many citizens remain unaware of the law and the protections it provides.
Soko said this is where journalists have a critical role to play beyond just informing the public.
“This is where we, as journalists, have an important role to play. Beyond informing the public, we must use our platforms to educate communities, raise awareness and safeguard the dignity, privacy, safety and rights of children,” he stated.
Soko emphasized that every story involving a child should be handled with care, as irresponsible reporting can either protect a child or expose them to further harm.
“Every story involving a child should therefore be handled with care, because our reporting can either protect a child or expose them to further harm. Let us report responsibly. Let us protect children. Let us put their rights and dignity first,” Soko added.
The Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022 consolidates laws relating to children and provides for the protection, promotion and safeguarding of children’s rights in line with international standards.
Francis Chipalo
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