IPSO publishes new guidance and public information on the reporting of children

The guidance sets out how the Editors’ Code of Practice – the framework IPSO uses to regulate the press – provides children with greater protection than adults and uses case studies to provide practical examples of how journalists can navigate the Code’s requirements.  

Rosemary Douce, IPSO’s Head of Standards & Regulation said:  

“IPSO’s children’s guidance clarifies that special protections are granted to children because of their vulnerable position. The Editors’ Code contains specific provisions regarding children who are involved in criminal proceedings, whether as a defendant, witness, or victim, so journalists can follow these guidelines to take extra care.” 

The guidance was informed by IPSO’s engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders, including charities with expertise and experience in this area and representatives of the Scottish Government. IPSO has been working with the Scottish government’s Criminal Justice Division as it examines non-legislative options for supporting those affected by child homicide.   

Will Gardner, Chief Executive of Childnet said:  

“Children’s voice is important to reflect in reporting, but extra care must be taken to protect them from risk of harm, including online, and IPSO’s new guidance for journalists reflects this concern.” 

IPSO has also published information for the public on the reporting of children which sets out how the Editors’ Code of Practice protects children.  

The information discusses how reporting on issues relating to children is in the public interest, helping to protect children and ensuring their voices are heard. However, reporting must be done in a way that protects their rights, for instance, journalists should not generally publish any information which might cause unnecessary intrusion into a child’s time at school. 

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)’s Associate Head of Media, Harry Watkinson said: 

“IPSO’s Public Information on how the press reports on children is a useful tool for gaining an insight into how journalists should cover children’s stories responsibly and with the care and attention the subject matter demands.” 

To read the IPSO guidance on the reporting of children, visit: https://www.ipso.co.uk/resources/guidance-for-reporting-of-children/ 

To read the full IPSO public information on how the press reports on children, visit: How the press reports on children – IPSO 

A free webinar on the topic of reporting on children and discussion of the IPSO’s new guidance for journalists and information for the public took place on Wednesday, 4 June.

In this recording, Rosemary Douce, head of standards and regulation at IPSO, talks through the reporting on children guidance for journalists.

Then a panel discussion, hosted by David Hutton, former IPSO Complaints Committee member, considers issues for reporters, those with parental responsibility, and people working with children:

• Fran Yeoman, Head of journalism at Liverpool John Moores University;
• Derren Hayes, Editor of Children & Young People Now;
• Lucie Calow, Director of SEND at Unity Schools Partnership; and
• Caroline Iggulden, Associate Editor at The Sun newspaper.