Publisher

BIRCU JOURNALBIRCU JOURNAL

Journal Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal)Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal) Abstract

This paper examines media portrayals of children in contexts of conflict and migration, interrogating the narratives, visual representations, and framing strategies employed in both global and local media. Using secondary data, the paper explores how children are often depicted as passive victims, security threats, or symbols of hope, rather than as agents with voices and rights. It investigates whose perspectives dominate the storytelling, whether those of journalists, governments, aid agencies, or the children themselves, and the implications of such representations for public perception, humanitarian response, and policy advocacy. The paper calls for more inclusive, context-sensitive, and child-centred reporting frameworks that recognize children not merely as subjects of pity or fear, but as individuals with agency, resilience, and stories worth telling on their own terms. This paper has shown that mainstream media often depict children through reductive frames, either as passive victims or as security threats, thus stripping them of agency and voice. These portrayals are frequently influenced by geopolitical interests, cultural biases, and editorial agendas that prioritize sensationalism over complexity. While some media efforts attempt to humanize children and highlight their resilience, structural limitations and editorial conventions often impede more balanced storytelling. A child-rights-based and ethical media framework is therefore essential to ensure that childrens experiences are accurately and respectfully represented.

Conclusion

The study reveals that mainstream media frequently portrays children through reductive frames, diminishing their agency and voice.These portrayals are often shaped by geopolitical interests and sensationalism, hindering balanced storytelling.A child-rights-based and ethical media framework is crucial for accurately and respectfully representing childrens experiences.Ultimately, reclaiming the narrative requires participatory storytelling that prioritizes the voices of children themselves, contributing to justice and dignity in humanitarian reporting.

Future Research

Further research should investigate the effectiveness of child-led storytelling initiatives in challenging dominant media narratives and empowering children as active participants in shaping their own representations. Additionally, a comparative study examining the portrayal of children in conflict and migration contexts across different media systems – including those in the Global South – could reveal how cultural and political contexts influence framing strategies. Finally, research is needed to explore the impact of algorithmic bias in social media platforms on the visibility and representation of childrens voices, and to develop strategies for mitigating these biases to ensure more equitable and inclusive media landscapes. These investigations should contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between media, power, and childrens rights, ultimately informing the development of more ethical and rights-respecting media practices.

Metadata

File size	839.16 KB
Pages	11
DMCA	Report