Journalists trained on safeguarding and child-sensitive reporting

Press Release

5 June 2025

In a joint effort to promote ethical journalism and address concerns about harmful reporting practices, Care International, Plan International Cambodia, Save the Children in Cambodia, UNICEF Cambodia, and World Vision International in Cambodia are conducting a specialised training workshop for journalists and editors on safeguarding principles and child-sensitive reporting. The aim is to better protect children and vulnerable communities.

While guidelines for ethical and child-sensitive reporting exist, many journalists may not be fully familiar with safeguarding principles, especially when covering complex and sensitive topics involving children, adolescents, and vulnerable communities. Enhancing their capacities and awareness of these practices is essential to ensure that media coverage upholds the dignity and rights of children and adults. This is especially important in stories concerning violence, exploitation, conflict with the law, or social stigma. By prioritising the children’s best interests in their reporting, the media can prevent unintended harm and cultivate greater trust, empathy, and understanding within society.

Ethical reporting

“The media plays a crucial role in raising public awareness and shaping public perception, and with that comes great responsibility. When reporting on children, youth, and vulnerable individuals, we must ensure that their safety, dignity, and rights are never compromised or violated. Their best interests should not merely be considered, but must serve as the guiding principle in every story, to shift public perception and drive meaningful change,” said Yi Kimthan, Interim Country Director of Plan International Cambodia, on behalf of the abovementioned organisations.

This training workshop seeks to strengthen ethical reporting and foster a deeper understanding of children’s issues, with a particular focus on those impacting girls and young women. Journalists are equipped with tools and knowledge to report in a manner that respects the rights, dignity, and privacy of all individuals, especially those most at risk.

“When reporting on children, youth, and vulnerable individuals, we must ensure that their safety, dignity, and rights are never compromised or violated.”
Kimthan

This initiative represents a step towards establishing a media environment in Cambodia where children’s rights are protected and promoted, rather than jeopardised. We urge all media professionals to join us in building a more responsible, inclusive, and child-sensitive press.

Categories: Protection from violence Tags: Safeguarding