📘 About the National Guidelines

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), Sri Lanka, has published a national guideline book addressing child protection in media reporting.

The guide provides ethical principles and recommendations to safeguard children's rights, dignity, privacy and well-being when children are featured in print, electronic and digital media.

It is relevant to journalists, media institutions, digital content creators, social media influencers, programme producers and others involved in communicating information about children.

🎯 Main Objectives

• Protect children's rights, privacy and dignity.
• Prioritise the best interests of children in media activities.
• Prevent physical, psychological and social harm through reporting.
• Promote accurate, fair and responsible communication.
• Encourage child-sensitive media practices.
• Safeguard children participating in media and entertainment programmes.

📑 Four Main Sections of the Guide

🛡️ Important Guidelines for Media Reporting

• Child's best interests: Give priority to children's safety, well-being and overall development.
• Privacy and confidentiality: Avoid revealing identifying information that could place a child at risk.
• Accuracy: Verify facts and sources before publication. Avoid misleading or sensational reporting.
• Written consent: Obtain informed written permission from parents or legal guardians as directed in the guide.
• Protection from harm: Avoid material that humiliates, stigmatises or causes further psychological distress.
• AI-generated content: Verify accuracy and fairness, disclose AI use and avoid harmful representations.

📰 Reporting Child Abuse and Crime

The guidelines emphasise special care when publishing information about children connected to abuse, criminal investigations or court proceedings.

• Do not disclose identifying details of child victims, witnesses or accused children.
• Avoid publishing names, photographs, addresses, school details or other identifying information.
• Do not use sensational graphics, exaggerated descriptions or misleading AI content.
• Avoid reporting that could expose children or their families to further harm, discrimination or stigma.
• Follow relevant child protection laws and ethical reporting requirements.

💙 Responsible Reporting on Child Suicide

The guide provides specific recommendations for sensitive reporting of child suicide.

• Protect the identity and dignity of children and their families.
• Avoid disclosing methods, locations, personal notes and other sensitive details.
• Do not publish distressing photographs, videos or CCTV footage.
• Avoid sensational headlines and unnecessary repetition of incidents.
• Promote prevention awareness and information about appropriate support services.

🎬 Children in Television, Digital and Entertainment Programmes

The publication also addresses children's participation in media productions.

• Obtain appropriate informed written parental or guardian consent.
• Ensure participation does not interfere with education, rest or well-being.
• Avoid forcing children into distressing, humiliating or inappropriate activities.
• Protect children from excessive public criticism and psychological pressure during competitions.
• Use age-appropriate questions and discussions in interviews and talk shows.
• Take precautions against cyberbullying when distributing children's content online.
• Ensure advertisements involving children respect child protection standards and avoid dangerous activities.

♿ Reporting About Children with Disabilities

The guidelines recommend respectful, accurate and sensitive representation of children with disabilities.

• Highlight abilities, achievements and contributions.
• Avoid stereotypes and discriminatory descriptions.
• Protect health information and personal privacy.
• Promote accessibility, inclusion and equal opportunities.
• Consider the long-term impact of media exposure.

👥 Who Should Read This Guide?

The guide is particularly useful for journalists, media professionals, content creators, social media influencers, programme producers and advertising teams.

Teachers, school media clubs, parents and organisations working with children may also find its principles useful when sharing photographs, videos, interviews or information involving children.