A content analysis of the Daily Nation and The Standard newspapers on their reporting of issues related to child rights

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to investigate the reporting of children rights related issues in major newspapers in Kenya in order to raise awareness of those rights among the people and policy makers in Kenya. Specifically, the study set out to determine key issues on children rights reported so as to identify the issues and underscore the role of the media in raising awareness of children rights through their work. The study sought to identify whether children rights violations occur and whether they are reported as they occur. To determine whether an observation of an important day touching on children rights influencing coverage of children rights in the media in Kenya. Realizing that children are stakeholders to work with on issues affecting them, this study set out to determine the extent of programming and engaging children in newspaper reporting. Involvement of the media in raising awareness of issues affecting children is important in that the public and policy makers become aware and get involved in safeguarding the rights of children. Children whose rights are guaranteed and respected grow up . into responsible adults. It is therefore crucial to protect children by guaranteeing their rights as they grow up. Violations on the rights of children and especially in their formative years of development could lead to irreversible damage and effect which has a bearing on the kind of person they become when they grow up. They could suffer physical, emotional, social and intellectual development if their rights are violated at various stages of their lives. This study found out that the major newspapers in Kenya actively reported issues on children. These issues are well documented in this study. It was also established that the newspapers reporting on children issues was systematic with no influence from observance of important days linked to children rights like the Day of the African Child (DOAC). The newspapers studied treated children are partners in reporting issues affecting them. The newspapers studied feature special issues by children and devoted to children issues. However, there are critical issues which were identified as not adequately covered and which the newspapers need to strengthen their coverage to bring about maximum protection of children and their rights. The study found out that there were particular days of the week when issues on children were covered heavily. These days are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays which together with Sunday when a dedicated issue on children is given are important in pitching for a feature on children issues or an important announcement concerning children welfare like immunization.