Contributions from children & young people
We must consider carefully the impact and possible consequences of any material which involves a child, both during the production process and once the material has been broadcast. This applies whether or not we have secured parental consent.
Children are often eager to contribute to our output but many lack the judgement necessary to assess the longer-term impact it may have on their lives. We should consider consulting experts when featuring anti-social, harmful or illegal activity amongst children, such as illegal drug use, abuse, eating disorders, and bullying about the best way of approaching interviews and minimising distress.
It is also often advisable to have a third party present, such as a relative, family friend, or teacher, when sensitive issues are being discussed with a child. This ensures there is someone there who is familiar to them and who can help safeguard their interests.
We should ensure children and young people are given a voice but we must also be alert to occasions when children exaggerate, try to please or report gossip or hearsay as fact. Criminal or anti-social behaviour should not go unchallenged.