Silence of Journalists about Children in Conflict: A Critical Assessment

Abstract

The increasing rate of children in conflict globally is alarming. Despite lack of sufficient data, the volume of unheard stories of the abuse of kids from the domestic front to global flashpoints makes the situation worrisome. The seeming silence of journalists in calling the attention of the world to these injustices against the most vulnerable members of society who are caught in-between the fire line either as child soldiers or sex slaves informed this study. With the aid of the source credibility theory as theoretical framework, the researcher discovered the culpability of the media in standing for children as well as fear of stigmatization by kids to report abuse cases. The study recommended education and empowerment of children, naming and shaming of abusers and the enforcement of child-friendly laws as panacea. It concluded that so long as kids are still affected by conflicts, the world cannot give up fighting for their cause.