Timothy Ekeledirichukwu Onyejelem
Department of Journalism and Media Studies Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State

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Media Representation of Child Abuse and Its Policy Implications in Nigeria Timothy Ekeledirichukwu Onyejelem; Muhammad Danjuma Abubakar; Omotola Ogunbola; Emmanuel Blessing Oyiza; Muhammad Ridwan
Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics Vol 5 No 2 (2025): Polit Journal: Scientific Journal of Politics, May
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR-Publisher)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/polit.v5i2.1271

Abstract

Child abuse remains a significant social issue in Nigeria, with long-term consequences for victims and society. The media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and policy responses to child abuse through its representation of cases, narratives, and framing of the issue. This study examines the media’s portrayal of child abuse in Nigeria, exploring the extent to which news coverage, documentaries, and other forms of media representation influence public awareness, government action, and policy formulation. It analyzes the dominant themes in media reports, including sensationalism, victim-blaming, and advocacy-driven narratives, while assessing the ethical and professional standards maintained by journalists in reporting such cases. Findings suggest that while the media has been instrumental in bringing child abuse cases to public attention, coverage is often inconsistent, and sometimes lacks depth, context, and follow-up reporting. Sensationalized stories may attract public outrage but do not always translate into sustained policy action or structural reforms. Additionally, cultural biases and societal stigma influence the framing of child abuse cases, sometimes shifting the blame onto victims or downplaying the role of systemic failures. This paper argues that effective media representation of child abuse should go beyond episodic reporting to include investigative journalism, human-centered storytelling, and advocacy for policy change. It highlights the need for training journalists on ethical reporting of child abuse and calls for stronger collaboration.
Propagation of False Information on Covid-19 among Nigerians on Social Media Eric Msughter Aondover; Uchendu Chinelo Ebele; Timothy Ekeledirichukwu Onyejelem; Omolara Oluwabusayo Akin-Odukoya
LingLit Journal Scientific Journal for Linguistics and Literature Vol 5 No 3 (2024): Linglit Journal: Scientific Journal of Linguistics and Literature, September
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR-Publisher)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/linglit.v5i3.1206

Abstract

Social media has become an indispensable aspect of modern life since it enables the distant creation of material for the purposes of amusement and information exchange, facilitating quicker and easier information sharing in Nigeria and around the globe. Through social networks and online communities, social media, as computer-mediated technology, promotes the development and exchange of concepts, awareness, professional interests, information, and other forms of expression. In Nigeria, the Covid-19 outbreak ushered in a digital age of first-ever marketing. During that time, citizens used social media to raise awareness among the public and demand action from the government to stop the spread of the virus. Within this conceptual context, the postulation of Technological Determinism theory serves the study goal. The study used secondary data to generate information on the subject matter. These sources provided concrete context for the thematic area of analysis. To interrogate the literature, a content analysis of secondary data was conducted. This made it possible to assess the body of knowledge in order to determine its applicability, consistency, and replication. It was established that customers used to rely on more traditional media, including radio and television, which included comparatively fewer and more reputable news sources. Consumers today are exposed to online information sources (the Internet), which was created to spread information and shape public opinion on topics by dictating what information is made available. The study concludes that the way that real-time audience participation has led to crowd sourcing content, which reflects the effects of rapidly evolving digital technology, online behaviors, and newsgathering techniques that has transformed journalistic practice as a result of social media. Members of a network can now communicate globally as a result of web-based applications, which facilitate the spread of fake information.
Perspectives and Reflections on Media, Gender, Children and Culture in the Digital Age Timothy Ekeledirichukwu Onyejelem; Muhammad Ridwan
Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture Vol 6 No 2 (2025): Lakhomi Journal : Scientific Journal of Culture, June
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR-Publisher)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/lakhomi.v6i2.1321

Abstract

This paper explores the dynamic intersections of media, gender, children, and culture in the context of the digital media, where technological advancements have reshaped how identities are constructed, communicated, and contested. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives, the paper examines how digital media platforms influence the socialization of children, the reinforcement or disruption of gender norms, and the negotiation of cultural values. The paper reflects on how children are no longer passive recipients of media messages but active agents who engage with, interpret, and even produce content, often navigating complex terrains of gendered and cultural representation. It also considers how globalized digital media flows intersect with local cultural contexts, affecting how children perceive themselves and others. The paper argues that many feminists believe that media by its power and its agenda-setting role, which include giving prominence to people and events, have portrayed women in the most unfavorable terms whether as key players in the media industry or as recipients of media content. The power of the media extends not only to what is covered, but also what is omitted. Women have been omitted by the media despite their upliftment in the last half of a century from mothers and wives to professionals with expertise in many fields of human endeavour. The paper further interrogates the implications of algorithmic content delivery, media literacy gaps, and digital inequalities. Through critical reflections and analysis, the paper advocates for inclusive media policies and culturally sensitive media literacy approaches that recognize children’s agency while addressing structural constraints.