Author:
Yuliia Didenko
How is speaking to a child different from interviewing an adult? Interviewing children is challenging due to the high level of responsibility involved and the complexity of understanding children’s emotional responses. Children are not simply miniature adults — they have a unique perception of the world, distinct emotional experiences, and their stage of development. Those who have experienced the traumas of war are especially vulnerable. That’s why engaging with children requires journalists to prioritize their emotional well-being, safety, and right to privacy.
At the Voices of Children Foundation, we’ve spent years ensuring that telling children’s stories during wartime does not harm them or compromise their dignity. That’s why we’ve launched an online course, "Safe Space for Children’s Voices in the Media". It aims at helping media professionals learn how to cover children with wartime experiences respectfully, honestly, and using a trauma-informed approach.
In the first lecture, psychologist Yuliia Tukalenko from the Voices of Children Foundation explains why an ethical approach is not optional — it’s essential. She outlines how the Ukrainian Journalistic Ethics Code governs reporting on children, what harm media coverage can cause, and how it affects the child and their family.
We invite you to explore the principles of ethical journalism — the full video is available on our YouTube channel.
At the Voices of Children Foundation, we’ve spent years ensuring that telling children’s stories during wartime does not harm them or compromise their dignity. That’s why we’ve launched an online course, "Safe Space for Children’s Voices in the Media". It aims at helping media professionals learn how to cover children with wartime experiences respectfully, honestly, and using a trauma-informed approach.
In the first lecture, psychologist Yuliia Tukalenko from the Voices of Children Foundation explains why an ethical approach is not optional — it’s essential. She outlines how the Ukrainian Journalistic Ethics Code governs reporting on children, what harm media coverage can cause, and how it affects the child and their family.
We invite you to explore the principles of ethical journalism — the full video is available on our YouTube channel.
The Voices of Children Charity Foundation prepared this material with the support of Terre des Hommes.
What the Ukrainian Journalistic Ethics Code Requires
Protecting a child’s best interests must always take precedence — even if that means giving up a dramatic shot or emotional detail. The Ukrainian Journalistic Ethics Code states that journalists should exercise special care when reporting on children. It includes obtaining informed consent from parents or guardians. When interviewing children under 12, an adult must be present during the conversation.
It is strictly prohibited to disclose a child’s name or any identifying information, especially in cases involving violence or alleged unlawful behavior.
It is strictly prohibited to disclose a child’s name or any identifying information, especially in cases involving violence or alleged unlawful behavior.
When Media Can Do Harm
Imagine this: journalists decide to report on a boy who lost his parents in a missile strike. The interview takes place during a moment of intense emotional distress. The footage shows his tears, confusion, and emotionally charged quotes that evoke public sympathy, but later lead to ridicule from his peers. As a result, the child becomes a target of bullying at school due to the details revealed.
What went wrong:
What went wrong:
- No proper consent was obtained from the child or guardians to share sensitive details, violating basic rights and making the report ethically questionable.
- The child’s emotional state was ignored — the interview likely intensified his trauma.
- Confidentiality was breached — the child was identifiable, leading to harmful real-life consequences.
The Consequences of Unethical Reporting
Violating ethical principles can retraumatize children, increase their emotional stress, and have serious social consequences. In the short term, this might result in bullying, social isolation, heightened anxiety, or unwanted attention. In the long term, it can erode a child’s trust in adults and media, and potentially contribute to psychological problems.
Children also tend to identify with people they see in the media and may imitate their behavior. That’s why journalists must understand the potential for children to internalize what they see as acceptable or desirable conduct.
Children also tend to identify with people they see in the media and may imitate their behavior. That’s why journalists must understand the potential for children to internalize what they see as acceptable or desirable conduct.
Key Questions to Ask Before Interviewing a Child
Renowned media trainer Al Tompkins recommends journalists reflect deeply before involving a child in their work:
It’s crucial to assess not just the child’s consent, but also the motives of the adults around them because parental permission does not automatically guarantee that the child’s interests are protected.
Ethical reporting is not only a professional obligation — it’s a way to support children who have endured the horrors of war. Every decision a journalist makes can be a source of support or an additional burden for a child. Our collective responsibility is to create a space where children can share their stories safely and with dignity.
If you share this mission, consider supporting the Voices of Children Foundation.
- Why am I involving this child? What is the goal?
- What motivates the child to participate?
- Can I verify what the child says? Is there an adult who can confirm it?
- What potential harm could I cause — even if the story never airs?
- How do I engage with parents or guardians? How are decisions made about a child’s participation?
- What motivates the parents to allow the child to speak to the media? Does their consent truly serve the child’s best interests?
- Are there alternative ways to achieve the story’s aim without involving the child?
- What are the possible short- and long-term effects of the child’s participation?
- What child protection policies exist in my organization?
- What support systems are available to help mitigate risks?
- If it turns out the child is involved in unlawful activity, how will I respond?
- How would I explain the decision to involve this child to an audience of parents with children the same age?
It’s crucial to assess not just the child’s consent, but also the motives of the adults around them because parental permission does not automatically guarantee that the child’s interests are protected.
Ethical reporting is not only a professional obligation — it’s a way to support children who have endured the horrors of war. Every decision a journalist makes can be a source of support or an additional burden for a child. Our collective responsibility is to create a space where children can share their stories safely and with dignity.
If you share this mission, consider supporting the Voices of Children Foundation.
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