Representation of children in the Nigerian news media

Abstract

Nigerian children face various challenges during their journey through life. The country ranks among the worst nations in many child-related world ranking indices ranging from child health, out-of-school children, to child labour, among others. With these challenges facing the Nigerian child, the study examines the extent of coverage accorded children in the mass media. Content analysis research design was adopted for the study to analyse selected national newspapers and magazines to examine the major child related issue(s) mostly reported in the media, as well as direction, function, and prominence level accorded stories published on children. The agenda setting and framing theories provide the theoretical framework for the study. The study found that children-related issues are generally under-reported in the Nigerian press but when the children are involved in crime related issues, the media give them “adequate” coverage. Based on this, we recommend a more cautious approach in reporting children and children-related issues.