Suva-based director of the Sub-regional International Labour Organisation (ILO) David Lamotte has urged the Pacific media to be sensitive when reporting on issues concerning children.
He made the reminder at an ILO workshop on children labour and trafficking that ended at Nadi, Fiji, Friday.
Lamotte highlighted this following newspaper reports in Fiji on a female student who committed suicide after a teacher confiscated her mobile phone and spied on her messages.
Discussions during the forum drew criticisms on the newspapers on how they cover the incident with images of the victim being published.
Speaking on the issue, Lamotte said the media must be sensitive when reporting issues involving children.
“The media also needs to work more in educating the general public on the issue concerning children, especially child labour and trafficking,” he added.
Lamotte also called on the media in each country to put in application if they need training specifically for journalists on child labour and trafficking issues.
“We would be happy to support training for media organisations in countries in the Pacific region if we were requested.”
Among other things discussed was the use of social media in the region.
