Tahir Ahmad Sofi
It is imperative to recognize that children learn from adults, not through public ridicule on social media. This truth becomes urgent when a student is trolled over their language used against the Honourable Education Minister.
Every child deserves guidance and support rather than humiliation. A child’s mistake, confusion, or innocence should not be treated as content for public entertainment. Broadcasting such incidents for views is exploitation, not journalism.
The responsibility that comes with every mic, camera, and edit button must not be overlooked. When a child says something incorrect on camera, the adult response should be to teach them off-air rather than viralize it for laughs. Ethical journalism demands restraint. Responsible editing means cutting what harms, not clipping what shames.
The role of adults is to inform and educate, not to cause harm or trauma. Children lack media training but possess trust. It is our duty not to break that trust for fleeting engagement. We impart more lessons through our actions towards the vulnerable than through lectures. Sharing a video that mocks a child makes one part of the problem.
“Educators and activists are warning against the severe, long-term psychological damage caused by public humiliation and viral cruelty toward minors. They urge media outlets and social media users to exercise strict ethical judgment to protect the dignity of children rather than exploiting them, noting that how society treats its youth shapes its future character.”
The priority should be clear: protect first, then broadcast. If there is doubt, the choice should always be in favour of the child. A child who is ridiculed today may become an adult who trusts no one tomorrow. A society that mocks its children forfeits its right to offer guidance later.
As educators, we see the long-term cost of humiliation. It breeds silence, fear, and alienation. Classrooms cannot undo the damage done by viral cruelty in hours. Activists are calling on media houses and social media users to exercise strict ethical judgment when reporting on minors. The message is clear: protect the dignity of the child, don’t exploit them. Advocates warn that the way we treat our youth today will ultimately define the character of our society tomorrow.
(The author is General Secretary, J&K Teachers Forum. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
