Developing the Guides

Historically a taboo subject, child sexual abuse remains one of the most difficult topics for journalists to report on. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2013-17) revealed the extent of institutionalised crimes against children and changed the public’s understanding. The advent of digital media has led to new forms of child abuse and exploitation, and new risks to children. Problematic reporting can have damaging consequences for survivors of abuse, as well as distorting community understanding of the crime. The National Office for Child Safety (NOCS), within in the national Attorney-General’s Department, recognised the need for specific guidance for journalists in their reporting of such offences, and for victims, survivors, families and supporters who become part of a news story. 

NOCS commissioned the N&MRC to undertake research between 2022 and 2023 to:

1. Provide an evidence base about how news media reports on child safety in Australia;
2. Consult widely with media and the child safety sector; and
3. Develop practical guidance to enhance the quality of reporting.  

The N&MRC team assessed current guidelines and analysed the nature of reporting in Australian media between 2020 and 22. They found a range of problematic ‘episodic’ reporting that relied on police and the courts as sources of information and ‘clickbait’ headlines that sensationalised, distorted or downplayed the criminal nature of the crime. Reporting rarely told the story from the child’s point of view; rather, it foregrounded the perpetrator and powerful institutions.  

Consultation with a wide range of stakeholders ensured the Guides were informed by the voices and views of victims and survivors, advocates, and media professionals. Over 100 participants in 28 online and in-person workshops, small consultations and individual meetings contributed thoughtful, impassioned, and practical feedback.  

The Guides are underpinned by the principle that news media should approach the reporting of child sexual abuse with trust, choice, collaboration, empowerment and respect for diversity. Key takeaways from the project include: 

• Journalists need information and guidance, rather than rules, to support the reporting of child sexual abuse.
• Victims and survivors should be equipped and supported to liaise productively and safely with media.
• Ongoing training and promotion of the Guides is essential to their implementation and better, more supportive experiences for victims and survivors and journalists reporting on these crimes. 

The production of the Guides was a collaborative effort, drawing on research evidence, consultation feedback, quotations from stakeholders and strong, appropriate visual imagery.  They were launched by the Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC, MP in July 2023. Copies were provided to all media outlets and child safety support and advocacy organisations. They were widely promoted on social media by stakeholders from across the media as an accessible, informative resource. Members of the research team briefed key journalists ahead of the launch of the $22.4 million ‘, NOCS’s public awareness campaign. Following their launch in Australia, our lead researcher was invited to the United Kingdom to advise the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse on establishing media guides for the UK.

Research team

This research was undertaken by the News & Media Research Centre within the Faculty of Arts and Design:

• Barbara Walsh
• Janet Fulton
• Megan Deas
• Emma John

Learn more

Learn more about the Media Guides for Reporting on Child Sexual Abuse Project.

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