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Media practitioners reminded to be responsible in reporting on children

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DAVAO CITY (PIA) -- Media practitioners, including digital content creators, were recently given a stern reminder to exercise extra caution and be ethical in doing interviews and creating content involving children who survived tragic incidents.

Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC) XI regional coordinator Renee Boy Binondo immediately took this up through social media after being alarmed over a video circulating online where a child survivor was interviewed about her horrifying experience and of losing loved ones from the Masara landslides in Maco, Davao de Oro.

Binondo emphasized the “need for extreme caution when dealing with minors in such sensitive situations,’ citing potential violations of their rights and the legal consequences that may follow.

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Renee Boy Binondo, RSCWC-XI Regional Coordinator, reminds the media practitioners and digital content creators to be responsible and follow ethical standards in reporting trauma cases concerning children.
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“These children suffered trauma and loss of life. Remember that during your interview, pwedeng naay (there may have been) psychological abuse. Balik-balik imong interview, ga balik-balik pod ang harm sa iya, di lang nato makita ,” he said during an episode of Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao.

(Your interview keeps on repeating; psychological harm also keeps on repeating, which we would not see.)

He warned that covering and interviewing child survivors without following the appropriate protocols could potentially violate children’s rights and some legal provisions concerning children’s welfare.

He reiterated that, similar to covering and reporting child abuse cases, there are also guidelines and protocols that are put in place for reporting children who are victims of disasters.

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“Like data privacy law and the processing of personal information, the child abuse law and other laws will always be applicable both online and in an emergency setting,” Binondo said as he cited some laws protecting the rights of a child.

The actions that debase, degrade, or demean the dignity of children can be considered child abuse under Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

Using children as media content without permission from parents or guardians is punishable under Republic Act 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Binondo reaffirmed that when covering and reporting children, especially those who are victims of abuse and disasters, it is essential to consider their privacy and present them in dignified ways.

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“What we don’t want is to do harm to children while we make stories in journalism kay gusto nato factual pero naa tay bantayanan pod basi’g nag pagcover nato nag pagpresent sa iyaha ma-degrade ma-debase iyang dignity,” he said.

(Because we want it to be factual, but we need to be careful in covering it so as not to degrade or debase their dignity.)

“I know you can find ways to creatively tell the stories in public without doing that by blurring their faces or  by using aliases,” he told the media.

While he recognized media practitioners’ responsible reporting, Binondo raised a 

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The landslide-stricken area in Barangay Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro. (Photo courtesy of PNA)
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concern about going after vloggers or individuals from the community who are not aware of the child protection laws and ethical standards.

He said that aside from pushing for child-friendliness in local government unit’s disaster risk reduction (DRR) plans, they also call on local government units (LGUs) to pass and implement an ordinance to safeguard children’s welfare during calamities.

He emphasized that the ordinance should include standards for media coverage during disasters, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, and Republic Act 10821, or the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act.

“Looking at child-friendly spaces such as the evacuation centers, we are monitoring that one to prevent child abuse, exploitation, and other harmful experiences that can be encountered by the children,” Binondo stated. (ASO/PIA XI/Thumbnail photo from Provincial Government of Davao de Oro)

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Antonino Oblianda

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