L’ANIRA met en garde contre toute atteinte aux droits des enfants dans la couverture médiatique des examens scolaires
Warning from ANIRA: Protecting Children in Media Coverage
On Tuesday, the National Independent Authority for Audiovisual Regulation (ANIRA) issued a crucial statement reminding media outlets of their responsibility to safeguard children’s rights. This warning came in light of recent concerns about minors being exposed to defamation and exploitation during media coverage of educational exams, particularly the BEM (Brevet d’enseignement moyen) in Algeria.
ANIRA observed that some media have irresponsibly interviewed minor students outside examination centers without parental consent. As the baccalaureate examinations approach, the authority expressed serious concern over this violation of legal and regulatory frameworks. Specifically, they referenced Executive Decree 24-250, which sets forth general obligations for audiovisual communication services, and Law 15-12, which is aimed at protecting children.
The authority firmly cautioned against similar media practices that could harm children’s rights. They reiterated the legal requirements that mandate media providers to prioritize the child’s best interests, forbidding any form of defamation or exploitation of minors without explicit written consent from their legal guardians.
ANIRA characterized these actions as "serious violations" of children’s rights, emphasizing that interviewing minors and broadcasting these segments without adhering to legal obligations is a clear infringement that could lead to legal consequences.
Furthermore, ANIRA highlighted the ethical and societal commitment to protect children, underscoring that audiovisual entities must exercise professionalism and responsibility while reporting on matters involving minors. Exploiting children’s innocence for opportunistic media purposes not only damages their public image but also exposes them to potential cyberbullying and mockery on social platforms. Such experiences can leave lasting psychological scars.
The authority strongly urged audiovisual service providers to avoid harming children’s rights in their coverage, promoting adherence to professional norms and ethics. They emphasized the importance of avoiding sensationalism, especially when covering the most vulnerable members of society—children.
In summary, ANIRA’s message is clear: Children deserve protection and respect in media portrayals, and responsibility lies with broadcasters to ensure their rights are upheld in all circumstances.
