The Editors’ Code of Practice Committee, which writes the standards that IPSO uses to regulate the press, has updated the clause on children to reflect society’s changing understanding of who has the right to provide consent on behalf of a child. The change came into effect on 1 January, 2025.
The change to the Code clarifies who can consent to provide information about a child’s welfare, as IPSO Chief Executive, Charlotte Dewar says: “The Editors’ Code is the framework IPSO uses for holding journalists to account.
“This change is an example of how IPSO regulation evolves in response to our real-world experience of dealing with editorial standards issues.
“We welcome the greater clarity and reassurance it gives to both parents and journalists about who has the right to agree the publication of sensitive material about children.”
IPSO-produced information for the public outlines the protections for children within the Editors’ Code and explains the responsibilities of journalists and editors when reporting on children and their welfare (Journalism: children’s rights).
You can read more about the change in the Editors’ Code of Practice Committee press notice (3 December 2024).
The Code change:
- Former version of Clause 6 (iii): iii) Children under 16 must not be interviewed or photographed on issues involving their own or another child’s welfare unless a custodial parent or similarly responsible adult consents.
- The new text, with effect from 1 January, 2025: iii) Children under 16 must not be interviewed or photographed on issues involving their own or another child’s welfare unless an adult with legal parental responsibility or similarly responsible adult consents.
Read the Editors’ Code of Practice here.
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