The need for journalists and media practitioners to uphold children’s rights, dignity and privacy while reporting child-related issues was the underscored core message at the one-day workshop on “Understanding Child Rights and Child Protection: Role of the Media” held at Hotel Japfü, Kohima on Saturday. The workshop was organised by the Kohima Press Club (KPC) in collaboration with the Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR) as part of the yearlong celebration of KPC’s 25th anniversary.

Former registrar of the Supreme Court and present district and sessions judge Phek, Mezivolü T Therieh, called on media professionals to uphold children’s dignity and privacy in their reporting. Speaking at the workshop as the resource person, Therieh urged journalists to reflect on the ethical and legal implications of their work, emphasizing that children, as one of society’s most vulnerable groups, must be protected from media exploitation.

“Are we genuinely prioritizing child rights, or just chasing sensational headlines?” she questioned, cautioning against using traumatic incidents involving children for higher viewership or readership.

Therieh highlighted India’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which mandates principles such as non-discrimination, the child’s best interests, and their right to life, development, and expression.

She also cited UNICEF guidelines, stressing the need to protect a child’s privacy in media coverage. This includes maintaining confidentiality during interviews, considering their views appropriately, and consulting guardians before publishing sensitive details.

Outlining key legal provisions, Therieh highlighted Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 which prohibits disclosing a child’s identity in media reports on legal proceedings, with violations punishable by up to six months’ imprisonment, a ₹2 lakh fine, or both; section 228A of IPC (now under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita); sections under the POCSO Act, and Cable TV Act which prevent re-victimization, with repeat violations attracting up to five years’ imprisonment.

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The resource person pointed out that these protections extend to both juvenile offenders and children in need of care—victims, witnesses, or those in shelters. “Even if a child has died or is mentally incapacitated, their identity must not be disclosed without legal authorization,” she stressed.

Referencing the 2008 Aarushi-Hemraj case, Therieh highlighted the peril of media sensationalism that publicise the victim’s personal details. “Such reporting not only violated legal protections but also compromised justice by destroying evidence and tarnishing reputations,” she said.

Citing rulings like Nipun Saxena v. Union of India Therieh reiterated the judiciary’s strict stance against revealing child victims’ identities—directly or indirectly. “Mentioning a child’s school, community, or associates can lead to identification and must be avoided,” she warned.

She further underscored guidelines for responsible reporting such as – usage of child-friendly language, pseudonyms, and blurred images; seeking parent/guardian consent only when in the child’s best interest (a child’s own consent is legally invalid); framing stories with dignity, prioritizing protection over public curiosity.

“Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Journalists must ensure their work doesn’t endanger a child’s safety or future,” Therieh concluded.

NSCPCR chairman Alun Hangsing emphasized the urgent need for a collaborative approach to child rights in Nagaland, praising the media’s role as the “Fourth Estate” in exposing injustices and guiding societal progress.

He noted the NSCPCR’s mandate under the CPCR Act, 2005, and listed ten constitutional rights of children, including protection, education, and health. Expressing concern over rising crimes against children in Nagaland, he urged stakeholders—parents, media, and government—to create a safer environment for minors.

Hangsing commended Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s administration for prioritizing child welfare, stating, “The state’s future lies in its children, and protecting their rights is a shared duty.”

Kohima Press Club president Alice Yhoshü in her address mentioned that journalists and reporters in the state cover a wide range of topics and backgrounds that sometimes make them seem “or even feel” that they know everything. “But the truth is, we don’t. We know there is the Juvenile Justice Act or the POCSO Act, but how many of us know which provisions protect the identity of a victim of a violent and traumatic experience?” she stated.

Pointing out that there had been unfortunate instances where the media has been overly intrusive and reported child-related stories irresponsibly, unaware of the further damage that their reporting is causing to the child and his/her family members.

“It is in this backdrop that the Kohima Press Club has come up with the proposal to have an in-depth workshop on understanding children’s rights and protection, so as to build the capacity of journalists and equip our members with the knowledge and skills to report responsibly on child-related issues,” Yhoshü said.

Director of Information and Public Relations Nagaland, Dzüvinuo Theünuo and director of Information Technology and Communication Sabou Yashü also delivered short speeches at the workshop. They both appreciated the initiative of the KPC and NSCPR converging together to highlight and discuss such a crucial topic.

NSCPCR member Akumla Longchari delivered the vote of thanks.

Attended by journalists, the workshop aimed to equip media professionals with legal knowledge and ethical frameworks for child-sensitive reporting.