Stigmatizing language and visuals in reporting on children in Indonesia

Yumelda Sari (Faculty of Human Ecology, Communication for Agricultural and Rural Development Study Program, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia Faculty of Communication Sciences, Universitas Esa Unggul, Jakarta, Indonesia)
Sarwititi Sarwoprasodjo (Faculty of Human Ecology, Communication for Agricultural and Rural Development Study Program, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia)
Pudji Muljono (Faculty of Human Ecology, Communication for Agricultural and Rural Development Study Program, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia)
Amiruddin Saleh (Faculty of Human Ecology, Communication for Agricultural and Rural Development Study Program, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia)

Jurnal ASPIKOM
Vol 10, No 2 (2025): Jurnal ASPIKOM

This study analyzed the compliance of Indonesian online media with the Child-Friendly Reporting Guidelines (PPRA) and UNICEF Guidelines, focusing on stigmatizing language and visual representation of children. A total of 282 news articles published in January, June, and December 2024 by Sindonews.com (national) and Poskota.co.id (local) were examined through quantitative content analysis. The coding instrument consisted of 117 indicators, with this article emphasizing 41 indicators related to language and visuals. The findings revealed moderate compliance. While anonymity protocols were generally applied, stigmatizing terms and degrading narratives remained frequent, especially when reporting children as perpetrators. Visuals often blurred children’s faces but still exposed contextual identifiers such as homes and schools. These practices undermine child protection. The study concluded that ethical reporting requires empathetic language, safe visuals, and stronger monitoring by the Press Council.