How can you report on children and youth in a sensitive and objective way?

When reporting on stories involving children, there are many important ethical considerations that journalists should keep in mind to ensure the minor's safety. In the criminal justice space, the same ethical considerations should be followed — the goal is to protect children, always. When it comes to researching cases with victims under the age of 18, I always report on the larger context and issues surrounding the child's situation, rather than sensationalizing or oversimplifying the details of an individual case. Oftentimes when a minor goes missing, there's more to the story. Additionally, maintaining objectivity is key. Reporters must remain sensitive, and strive to report on the facts objectively, without bias.

Do not enter the conversation with expectations or prepared questions. Instead, have a general sense of what you would like to discuss. Allow time to build a comfortable relationship, talk about what they want to discuss. Ask if they have any questions, and answer them honestly. Then, politely and respectfully ask permission before any questions begin. Be sure there is one other adult in the room, but outside of the discussion area. The ideal time for the one-on-one discussion is about 20 minutes, but 25 is okay, too. Less, and you won't build enough of a relationship. More, and you will both begin to lose focus. If the kids are younger than 8 or 9, keep the conversation to about 15 minutes, but allow flexibility if they want to continue.

Duty of care should be top of your considerations when dealing with this group of contributors; seek parental or guardian permission before interviewing or photographing minors. If they are involved in a sensitive matter, instances of abuse or exploitation it is best to anonymize and respect their confidentiality. Due diligence such as verifying information is also essential.

Why are you born?"to help eachother." You have a choice to be good, you are not born to be bad. Stealing,hurting one another or laughing at another are subjects of mine as well. Stealing creates a bad way of choosing to create for themselves the illusion of the things they need in life. I made beautiful beaded earrings that were stolen from me, but what can I do cry about it? No, I made another pair. And boys who feel more popular believe they can take advantage on other children just because they are talented at basketball. Does it help them when they need a job later on in life?,Perhaps. Does it give you satisfaction to laugh at a person when they trip or do you try to help that person?

Prioritize Consent and Privacy. Before reporting on children and youth, seek explicit consent from both the individuals involved and their guardians. Respect their right to privacy, and avoid disclosing sensitive personal information such as addresses, contact details, or school names. Even when consent is obtained, consider whether the information disclosed is necessary for the story and if it could potentially harm the child's well-being.

Yes children have the right to be heard but if they lie then trust & respect in a student is hard to believe. For example; Lying is not good. I tell students "How do you expect to have a friend when you lie". As I have stated this topic in many schools, children seem to be embarrassed to look at each other & after my programs teachers have been more acquainted to hearing what their students really need to convey to them.When it comes to truth, teachers sharing experiences of their own do help give children a different perspective to times of hardship & then they do realize telling the truth is very important & their confidence is boosted to a higher degree than it was before. Respect your elders because they have lived longer than you!

The delicate behavior from a child stems from what has been created with the father&mother. A boy I heard was the worst in the school hit me to the ground. He went to the principal & he was to apologize to me my parents in his home to come back to school. Did he apologize? Who thinks yes or no & why? More hands say no he did not. But he did& why? Who gives you the clothes you wear, who buys the books you need & who gives you medicine when you get sick? So students realize that although they were wrong with their answer, they realized what is more important, being tough or not to be.

In my culture we have no bad words in our languages. School experiences of mine have been well accepted as I speak to children, because I mention to children that they are an example to all the children yet to be born. Don't scream to babies, because they will grow up crying & screaming as well. Just because you hear others speaking bad words or calls you a bad name will you believe it? In my experience children need examples of the experiences of the teachers own life experiences to understand the importance of what is necessary to be in their students own life. Sharing is vital to giving your personal view to how to care about being a teacher.

Take child aside and write down facts without the interpretation of them. Write down facts of other side Bring together. Use open body language- lower shoulders and open your hands, ask open ended questions, and reassure everyone that this issue is for learning and sometimes humans make mistakes that must be addressed. Once done, say that actions have consequences but the consequences don’t last forever.

If you have anything to say about what I have written please notify my heart felt feelings to you about my experiences, let me know. Blessings to all HO"!" the gentle flutepoet

My background in Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing has instilled in me a strong belief in adolescent involvement for issues directly affecting them. Unlike younger children, whose brains are still developing and may require parental support to make informed decisions, adolescents benefit from being included in discussions that impact their lives. Engaging them collaboratively fosters open communication and empowers young people to develop their voices and decision-making skills.