By The Pulseline News Desk
The Ministry of Education has raised concerns over the recording and publication of comments made by children to the media, warning that such content could expose minors to ridicule and potential harm on social media.
The warning follows incidents involving children who sat for this year’s Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, after comments they made to media outlets were circulated online and reportedly became the subject of mockery.
According to the Ministry, it has observed instances where remarks made by children after the examination were quoted, recorded and shared on social media in ways that subjected them to ridicule.
The issue has raised fresh concerns over how media organisations and social media users handle comments made by children, particularly when the content can identify or embarrass them.
Consent required
The Ministry has reportedly reminded media organisations that they should not obtain, record or broadcast comments made by children without permission from their parents, guardians or teachers.
The warning comes amid growing concern over the vulnerability of children to content that can rapidly spread across social media platforms.
A comment made casually by a child immediately after an examination can take on a very different character once it is edited, circulated or presented out of context online.
The Ministry has therefore stressed the need for greater responsibility when reporting on children and for appropriate consent to be obtained before recording or publishing their statements.
Legal action possible
The Ministry has also reportedly warned media organisations responsible for publishing videos involving children that legal action could be considered where violations relating to the protection of children are identified.
The warning puts the spotlight not only on the original recording and publication of such material, but also on the wider responsibility of those who share or amplify videos involving minors.
The controversy surrounding the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination has once again highlighted the tension between the public interest in covering major examinations and the need to protect children from unnecessary exposure.
For media organisations, the message is increasingly clear: when the subject is a child, a few seconds of footage or an off-the-cuff comment can have consequences far beyond the original news story.
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