For the Sake of the Children

Abstract

The general view within the media seems to be that if we are unable to publish names and other identification of children, often as young as 10 or 11, who are brought before the courts accused of minor crimes, then the story is not worth running, claims Frost. But why should this be so? he asks. "When children are named in these circumstances, is it really a famous victory for press freedom - the reporting David versus the courtroom Goliath - that the press portrays, or simply an invasion into the privacy of vulnerable youngsters?"