In a media landscape where children’s voices are persistently negligible in news reports[1], it is imperative for reporters to ensure that they access children, specifically in stories that directly affect them.
Therefore, HeraldLIVE missed an opportunity (MOP)[2] by overlooking the voices of children in a story titled, “Children taught to ‘say no, go tell” (06/06/2024). The article details the efforts taken by civil society organizations in the Eastern Cape, to raise awareness about National Child Protection Week and educate school-going children on their rights as set out in the Children’s Act; and how to better protect themselves from exposure to harm.
Various actors within the safety and development sectors are cited, however, the most significant voices on the subject matters (children) are forgone. A child’s right to freedom of expression is enshrined in the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC)[3]. It is one of the most significant rights that should be respected and advocated for not only by governments and civil society actors, but by media professionals too.
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) is of the firm view that concerted efforts must be taken by those within the media to access and amplify the voices of children in news coverage, especially in stories that directly affect them, as it is one of the surest ways to ensure that those with a duty of care over their lives implement effective interventions for their wellbeing.
Affording children a platform to speak in the media also emboldens them to express themselves more frequently on issues that affect them and guarantees that they are active participants in democratic processes.
MMA recognizes the HeraldLIVE’s sustained efforts to increase the amount of coverage on children’s matters in the South African media, nevertheless we urge journalists to take more efforts to include children’s voices, particularly in coverage that presents them in a positive light.
We look forward to reading articles where children speak in such stories in the future.
Written by Tumelo Hlaka
Edited by Ntombifuthi Kubeka