Media uses children's image for manipulation purposes, report

The mass media are continuing to present issues related to children from a sensationalistic perspective, without paying attention to how cases of child abuse can be prevented and which is the role of the family and community. This is one of the conclusions formulated in a monitoring report presented by the Independent Press Association (API) at a news conference on Tuesday, Info-Prim Neo reports. “The media organizations continued to give priority to sensational news, where the children are the victims of physical and sexual violence, the children in conflict with the law or the children who are involved in some dramas and conflicts. The children are depicted as tongueless executors of the adults' decisions concerning their lives, education and security”, said API director Petru Macovei, presenting the second monitoring report of the children's image in the media for August. The children's image is often used for manipulation purposes, which contradicts the professional ethics and good practice of responsible journalism, Petru Macovei concluded. Co-rapporteur Ina Prisacaru, a media and communication expert, said the media often break the principal rule that says that the children's interests should not be harmed in seeking a sensational topic. Generally the rule of the second source in covering such subjects is also disrespected. The API recommends the media organizations to show a more responsible and professional approach in covering subjects which present children, so as not to expose them to further harm and suffering. API will continue to monitor the children's image in the media and publish monthly reports until December.