The Montenegrin media should analyze the problems of violence against children more deeply, find adequate interlocutors who offer technical, not just declarative solutions, and continuously report on it, respecting the right to privacy.
This is stated in the analysis of Montenegrin media reporting on violence against children, which was done by Professor Lidija Vujačić from the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Montenegro.
The analysis was supported by UNICEF and the EU, as part of the "Stop the Violence" campaign, and will be presented tomorrow. Minister of Culture Janko Ljumović, head of the UNICEF representative office Benjamin Perks and Vujacic will speak at the meeting.
"One of the most important things we can do to help children in any society is to organize an intelligent discussion about childhood through the media that combines global knowledge and child development in the local community. We lack that in Montenegro," said Perks.
The analysis included 1.063 media information concerning children, published in April and May last year. Of these, 220 posts or a fifth dealt with violence against children.
Peer violence was reported the most, and sexual abuse of children the least.
"This indicates that sexual violence is still a taboo topic in the Montenegrin public, as well as that investigative journalists do not yet have enough courage or sensitivity to process this most delicate and traumatic topic in a more complex manner," Vujačić said.
Vujacic notices a more sensationalist, even stereotypical, approach to the topic, while its more complex elaboration is missing, or there is a lack of expert opinions, recommendations on how to prevent the problem, protect and rehabilitate the victim.
In the analyzed media information, it is often suggested that violence among children is increasing, although there are no data to confirm this. "Often the question is not even raised about whether peer violence is really on the rise, since when, for what reason and by how much."
As stated, children's "voices" are rarely heard in media reports, although, probably, if they had been interviewed, they would have shown the problem much more directly and in depth.
"The right to privacy is often not respected when reporting. "The identity of a child is often revealed in the media, even in cases where additional caution is needed, such as children who are victims, witnesses or perpetrators of the most serious crimes," Vujačić points out.
Even when they do not publish the name and surname of the child, the media often identify it by mentioning the location, some characteristic details from the family biography, publishing a photo of the house, school, surroundings or the identity of the parents, the name of the school the children go to or the name of the teacher who teaches them.
The recommendations state that the media should first inform the public of the cause of the problem, then propose an institutional solution and evaluate the work done, as well as seek professional interlocutors, monitor measurable indicators of success, adequate application of the law and the work, especially of those who are professionally responsible. .
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