Journalism: Treviso Charter updated, minors to be protected "always" even with parental consent

The National Council ofOrder of Journalists, on 6 July, approved the update of the Treviso Charter, a deontological document that establishes the rules regarding the handling of information relating to minors. The Charter, approved in 1990 by the Order of Journalists and by the FNSI, already revised in 2006, has kept the cardinal principles and adapted to the changes that have taken place in the world of the media, pointing out the responsibilities also according to the different ages of minors under 18. years.

The deontological document, without prejudice to the right to report, reiterates the need to protect childhood and adolescence, now that multimedia information requires attention and sensitivity more than ever. The protection of the anonymity and confidentiality of the minor, the use of appropriate images and the adoption of a language that does not alter the perception of reality, is essential. The document requires that suggestive stereotypes and the media overexposure of minors be avoided, even in the case of parental authorization. Rules that must be applied to protect all minors, even in foreign countries.

In the case of events that give positive emphasis to the minor, personal information and images may be disseminated, "provided they do not disturb his psychophysical equilibrium". Those over 14, involved in news events, can be contacted to collect information, but only by protecting anonymity and with parental consent. In the case of minors between 16 and 18 years old, the journalist can interview and publish the personal details, but always with the consent of the child and one of the parents and provided that the fact does not have negative repercussions on him.

In the case of suicides or injurious or self-injurious behaviors, the Treviso Charter requires that details that may cause emulation not be emphasized. The images of minors can be published with personal data in cases of kidnapping or disappearance, however avoiding sensationalism and acquiring the consent of parents and judicial authorities. Now the document approved by the Cnog, to have an implementation value, passes to the approval of the Privacy Guarantor.

Journalism: Treviso Charter updated, minors to be protected "always" even with parental consent