Srinagar, July 1: The circulation of a viral video showing a school-going child commenting on Education Minister Sakina Itoo over the issue of summer vacations has sparked a debate on journalistic ethics, with several social media users questioning the practice of recording and widely sharing videos involving minors.
The discussion on social media has largely centred on the responsibility of media professionals and adults, with many users stressing that a minor should not be subjected to public criticism or online trolling for remarks made at a young age. Instead, they argued, the focus should remain on the ethical responsibilities of those who recorded, published and amplified the video.
Among those reacting, as per news agency JKNS, social media user Arshad Bhat questioned why school children were being brought before cameras over an administrative decision.
“The sight of minor children appealing to Sakina Ji for holidays, whether respectfully or otherwise, is quite concerning and bizarre. The management of the schools whose students are appearing on camera should be held accountable.”
He further stated, “Undoubtedly, the issue of summer vacation is important, but she has to make a rational decision. That is her prerogative. Let children enjoy their childhood and focus on their future. They should not be made into tools to please anyone. We are already witnessing a decline in the education sector in J&K.”
Another social media user, Syed Rizwan Geelani, termed the reporting “totally unethical,” saying the issue was not what the child said but the decision to publish and amplify the video.
“It was totally unethical to use that short clip of a school-going kid showing disrespect to Education Minister Sakina Itoo. Even if the kid spoke like that, reporters shouldn’t have shared the same clip on social media. A professional cannot be so selfish and unethical as to sell the innocence of kids for views and likes.”
Geelani further said that those now criticising the child’s language were themselves contributing to the problem by repeatedly sharing the same video.
“Netizens who are now condemning the language used by the kid are again sharing the same video, which doesn’t send any positive message but has put the little kid into the limelight on social media. Let’s consider the age of the kid as well. Overexposure on social media can prove detrimental to him. Let good sense prevail.”
Several users also maintained that children should be allowed to express themselves without becoming subjects of public outrage, adding that any accountability, if required, should rest with adults who chose to film, publish and circulate the clip rather than with the minor featured in it.
The reactions have renewed calls for responsible journalism and ethical reporting practices, particularly when minors are involved, with many stressing that children’s privacy, dignity and well-being should take precedence over social media engagement. (JKNS)
