Abstract:
This paper examines the role of the Jaffna’s newspaper in relation
to child abuse and child protection and argues that the media have been
essential to the task of placing the problem of child abuse in the minds of the
public and on the political agenda. The media have played a major role in
defining what is "normal" and what is "deviant" in society, thus contributing
to definitions of what is, and what is not, considered to be child abuse.
Talking about child abuse is a sensitive sub-ject for many because of varying
beliefs. Some believe that all abuse should be reported while others believe
cases of abuse should not be reported by the media at all. There are also laws
at work regarding the media. Sometimes media reports revealed the abused
of children being abused and neglected, but no names were revealed, and
rightly so. It is essential of protection of child abuse victims. When a victim
of child abuse dies due to the abuse they suffered, their name and age is often
listed by the media. However, when a child is being abused and the horrific
details are exposed, no names are listed, in order to protect the minor child.
It is said that the privacy of children should be honored; however, all abuse
should be reported. How can we expect our society to take abuse seriously if
no abuse is reported For instance, if a child is being abused then the abuse
should be reported while continuing to protect the privacy of the child. The
more the media reports abuse, the more educated the public becomes. An
example would be if the child protective agency confirms abuse then the
media should report it. They must never reveal the name of the child.
However, reporting that another case of abuse has occurred will help to
educate the public. Media should have an active role in reporting abuse. The
more awareness is raised, the more our society can attempt to prevent child
abuse. But Media should follow some ethics to report child abuse news
stories.
