"Journalists Should Refrain From Labeling Children"

"If the allegation of murder is true, the 12 year old girl in question must first and foremost be taken under care and should be given psychiatric treatment," says social worker Abdullah Karatay, regarding a recent incident in Adana.

The girl (RA) is thought to have killed her mother. As she's under the legal age for a trial, RA would stay with her family and the social services would begin an inquiry to decide how to proceed. Karatay thinks she should be kept in an institution for better care.

The expert criticizes media coverage of the incident saying it's "unforgivable" to decipher the identity of the girl. "Whatever the cautions taken by social services, the media must act responsibly."

Labeling her as "mother murderer", mainstream media failed to comply with the ethical codes of the profession, according to Karatay.

"Such is street talk. It would cause discrimination against the girl in her future life and it would be the media to blame. In short, journalists must refrain from utilizing such a language, focusing on social education approaches and positive examples of rehabilitation."

Reminding the international treaties, which also holds the media responsible in protecting the welfare of the child, Karatay says incidents where children are involved in acts of violence are on the rise and the demand from the social services is increasing.(EZÖ/AGÜ)