Child abuse and the media Goddard, Chris; Saunders, Bernadette J.
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ArticlePublication details: Australian Institute of Family Studies 2001Description: computer file : World Wide WebSubject(s): Online resources:
In: Child Abuse Prevention Issues (14) Winter 2001Summary: This paper examines the role of the media in relation to child abuse and child protection and argues that the media have been essential to the task of placing the problem of child abuse in the minds of the public and on the political agenda. The media have played a major role in defining what is "normal" and what is "deviant" in society, thus contributing to definitions of what is, and what is not, considered to be child abuse. Significantly, the media have appeared, at times, to have more influence on child protection policy and practice than professionals working in the field - a phenomenon described as "legislation by tabloid". While acknowledging that the media's portrayal of child abuse and child protection can have negative consequences for children and their families, it is argued that media coverage is vital if public concern for children is to remain on the political agenda, and if child protection services are to remain accountable.
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Part 1 of two. Part 2 entitled "The role of mass media in facilitating community education and child abuse prevention strategies"
This paper examines the role of the media in relation to child abuse and child protection and argues that the media have been essential to the task of placing the problem of child abuse in the minds of the public and on the political agenda. The media have played a major role in defining what is "normal" and what is "deviant" in society, thus contributing to definitions of what is, and what is not, considered to be child abuse. Significantly, the media have appeared, at times, to have more influence on child protection policy and practice than professionals working in the field - a phenomenon described as "legislation by tabloid". While acknowledging that the media's portrayal of child abuse and child protection can have negative consequences for children and their families, it is argued that media coverage is vital if public concern for children is to remain on the political agenda, and if child protection services are to remain accountable.
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Child Abuse Prevention Issues (14) Winter 2001