Mysuru: Noting that the media (both print and electronic) is one of the key stakeholders and partners in building a pro-child and child-sensitive environment, Deputy Commissioner (DC) D. Randeep stressed on the need for the media to follow ethics while reporting on child abuse and atrocities against children.

He was speaking after inaugurating a half-day workshop jointly organised by the Integrated Child Protection Society (ICPS), Department of Women and Child Development, UNICEF Child Protection Project, Koppal, VERBINDEN, Bengaluru, Information and Public Relations Department, District Administration and District Child Protection Unit, Mysuru, to update the media fraternity on legislations pertaining to child rights and child protection at Maneyangala in Kalamandira  premises here this morning.

Pointing out that in the present context of child-sensitive legislations and the changing policies and focus of the Government, the role and responsibilities of the media are also undergoing a significant change, Randeep said there has been an increasing awareness on POCSO Act and Juvenile Justice Act among the media, authorities and members of the public over the past couple of years.

Noting that there have been many debates on the use of the word ‘victim’, the DC said that with the introduction of POCSO Act, there has been more responsibility on the Police on child protection issues.

Stating that divulging the names of victims, their identity, pictures, residence and location of institutions involved is in total violation of laws, Randeep underlined the need for the media to report on issues related to children in such a way that it would not cause trauma to all concerned, especially the children.

Women and Child Development Deputy Director K. Radha said that the Department was planning to introduce a WhatsApp group to enable all stakeholders in child protection.

Expressing serious concern over increasing sexual crimes on children and violation of their rights, she said the Department was doing its best to address various challenges pertaining to children and their rights.

Explaining the role of counsellors in making this world a better place for children, she complimented the media for displaying sensitivity while reporting crimes on children.

K. Rajendra Bhat, Regional Co-ordinator, UNICEF CP project, gave a power point presentation on child rights, child protection, POCSO Act, Juvenile Justice Act and other issues.

Today’s workshop in the city is the fourth in the series with the earlier ones held at Bengaluru, Belagavi and Kalaburagi.  Women and Child Development Dy. Director from Bengaluru Shylaja, Bengaluru’s Child Rights Director Vasudev Sharma, Women and Child Development Officer Padma, Co-ordinator R. Nagaraj and Mysuru District Journalists Association General Secretary K.J. Lokesh Babu were present.