Exposure of a vulnerable child's identity

The Malta Association of Social Workers expresses dissent at the lack of ethical consideration taken by the journalists of Maltarightnow, who recently published the identity of a minor and relatives in the press regarding a case of alleged child abuse.
Social workers, every day, work together with people facing social and financial hardships. Many times it is very hard for the caring professional to gain the trust and collaboration of the client and one way of overcoming this barrier is to ensure privacy and confidentiality in order to reduce social stigma and further discrimination on the person.
The MASW feels that this is a violation of the child's right to privacy and confidentiality. Such a violation is rather uncalled for in an age where the general public is expected to be educated and sensitive to issues of data protection. Further, exposing the minor's identity and family, to such public scrutiny goes against the child's right to be treated by society according to those principles which are in the child's best interest.
The MASW urges the Malta Institute of Journalists to take the needed action and pre-cautions in order to prevent this from happening in the future. The MASW also takes the opportunity to urge editors and journalists to contribute to the plight of victims of abuse and the various forms of poverty not through sensationalist stories but by supporting those who seek to raise awareness and educate the public on social issues. The MASW puts itself to the complete disposal of the media for this purpose.

Clayton Mercieca
PRO

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