‘Child-Centered Journalism Is Possible’

The first of the “Child Rights Workshops for Media Professionals” series, organized within the scope of the ACAR Project conducted by Izmir University of Economics (IUE) with the technical support of UNICEF and in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union to Turkey and the Izmir Journalists’ Association, was held at the Izmir Chamber of Commerce.

The two-day training brought together many journalists from Izmir, Manisa, Aydın, Balıkesir, Denizli, Afyon, Kütahya, and Uşak. During the sessions, journalists were informed about children’s rights, the legal aspects of these rights, ethical principles, and important considerations for child-centered reporting. They also took part in workshops to experience, through practice, the correct and incorrect approaches to child-centered journalism.

“WE MUST CONTRIBUTE TO SOLVING SOCIAL PROBLEMS”

Prof. Dr. Filiz Başkan, faculty member of the IUE Department of Political Science and International Relations, emphasized that universities have a responsibility to contribute to social engagement and the resolution of social issues. Prof. Dr. Başkan said, “In our University’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, we have identified strong social contribution as one of our strategic goals. I see this workshop on children’s rights for media professionals as a reflection of that mission. I would like to thank UNICEF, the EU Delegation to Turkey, and the Izmir Journalists’ Association for making this meaningful activity possible. Moving forward, our University will continue to prioritize social contribution even more strongly.”

“YOU MUST PREVENT MISREPRESENTATION”

Sema Hosta, Chief of Communication UNICEF in Turkey, stated that UNICEF is the primary advocate for children’s rights and that poverty and deprivation most severely affect children today. Hosta said, “We work to ensure that all children in Turkey, especially those in disadvantaged situations, can access educational programs, receive quality education, benefit from improved health and nutrition conditions, and be protected from violence, abuse, and exploitation. We also aim to strengthen the resilience of children and families affected by humanitarian crises and to lay the foundations for a better future for them. We must all work together to protect children. Let’s not forget; a child is a child. Journalists, as opinion leaders, have major responsibilities when reporting. You must prevent the misrepresentation of children and protect their dignity and rights by practicing child-friendly journalism.”

“WE CANNOT ACCEPT CHILDREN STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE IN HARDSHIP”

Stating that every issue concerning children directly affects the country, Dilek Gappi, President of the Izmir Journalists’ Association (IGC), said, “If the child is happy, the country is happy. If the child is not subjected to injustice, the country is democratic. If the child’s future is bright, the country’s future is bright as well. As IGC, we consistently combat violence against women and prioritize journalism that protects children’s rights. The number of registered child laborers in Turkey is 1 million 372 thousand. We can never accept the existence of children we see on the streets struggling to survive in hardship, deprived of their right to education.”

“JOURNALISTS MUST BE VERY CAREFUL WITH THEIR LANGUAGE”

Emphasizing that journalists must be very careful with the language they use in news about children, Gappi also said, “Unnecessary explanatory details, accusatory language, and inappropriate visuals in reports about children shape public perception, and the consequences are serious. Journalists carry great responsibility. In Izmir, we are striving to move beyond words on this issue. Through our NAR 2 – Communication against Violence Project, we have seen that organized and systematic efforts yield real results. Our struggle will continue. I thank all stakeholders for their contributions.”

“ADVOCACY MUST INCREASE”

Stating that the ACAR Project aims to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations, enhance local cooperation, and highlight the roles of academia and the media, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Altuğ Akın from the IUE Department of New Media and Communication said, “Understanding children’s rights and producing fair, accurate, and respectful journalism are crucial. Advocacy for children’s rights must increase, and media professionals must first receive proper training. With this workshop, we are confident that you, as journalists, will approach your work through the lens of child-friendly journalism.”

“THE PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE MUST NEVER BE IGNORED”

Asst. Prof. Dr. Özgün Özyüksel from the Faculty of Law at Izmir Bakırçay University discussed the national legal framework of children’s rights and national and international ethical standards. Asst. Prof. Dr. Özyüksel said, “The internet is a domain of rights for children. Digital inequality is an inequality of children’s rights. The balance between protection and freedom must be carefully maintained. Expressions in news reports that disregard the presumption of innocence of children must never be used.

The phrase ‘child driven to crime’ is problematic, as it assumes guilt. It is more appropriate to use terms such as ‘child in conflict with the law,’ ‘suspected child,’ or ‘child defendant.’ Additionally, passing judgment at the beginning of a report is highly inappropriate.”

“WE MUST UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF THE DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM ON CHILDREN”

Asst. Prof. Dr. Sarphan Uzunoğlu from IUE Department of New Media and Communication focused on the place of children in digital media, perceptions of childhood, and case analyses.

Highlighting that journalism cannot be done without understanding how the digital ecosystem affects children, Uzunoğlu said, “Children are exposed to news at an early age. Digitalization is transforming consumption patterns. Children’s engagement with news is no longer passive but active. Disinformation spreads rapidly, and violent content is easily accessible, which also affects children’s self-esteem. We are not used to giving children a voice in the news, but we must. In child-centered journalism, it is vital to practice constructive journalism that focuses on solutions and the common good.”

After the training sessions, journalists received their certificates at a ceremony. Following Izmir, the workshops will continue in Ankara, Diyarbakır, Van, Istanbul, and Antalya, aiming to contribute to the update of UNICEF’s Media and Child Rights Guidelines.