Sana Ali

Child abuse is a growing social concern that requires critical attention. News media further play a critical role in highlighting this issue publicly on both macro and micro levels. Yet, news stories focusing on child sexual abuse potentially overlook the physical, emotional and neglect-related cases. Based on feminist theory, this study explores how cultural beliefs about male domination and domestic violence affect journalistic practices in Pakistan. Data were gathered using a convenience sampling approach from sixteen journalists licensed from the Islamabad Press Club. Results revealed that cultural norms and taboos, particularly related to male dominance and family privacy, lead to underreporting of physical and emotional abuse. It has also been found that journalists face challenges, including censorship and cultural resistance, and that news media usually prioritize political issues over social concerns. However, an optimistic outlook is evident regarding the future, with growing public awareness and the role of digital media. Participants believed that evolving cultural beliefs, alongside legal reforms and advocacy, would lead to more victim-centred investigative journalism, promoting broader social awareness of child abuse in the future. Finally, practical implications are proposed and limitations are discussed.

Transparency is one of the primary ethical practices in journalism. From traditional to modern journalism, maintaining transparency is a core consideration for journalists to sustain objectivity and audience trust as a social responsibility of journalism. This study also explores the transparency practices among data journalists in the United Kingdom (UK) under the social responsibility theory. Data acquired from data journalists indicated that UK-based data journalists recognize transparency as crucial, aiming to disclose methods, sources, and processes despite challenges like time constraints, data privacy, and audience engagement. Organizational support for transparency remained prominent but also emphasized a need for clear policies and better resources. Participants recommended ongoing professional development and training in data handling, visualization tools, and ethical practices to improve the credibility and transparency of the news reports. Participants also emphasized working collaboratively to enhance the transparency and credibility of the final news product.

This research investigates Pakistani journalists’ opinions regarding data journalism’s role in reporting and highlighting child abuse as a major social concern. The data are gathered from twelve journalists, mainly covering news reports concerning child abuse in Pakistan. Results show that journalists consider traditional journalism as violating ethical guidelines to report child abuse in Pakistan, and a lack of relevant strategies also exists. They indicate that data journalism could make a difference if the information resources are authentic. Further, participants argue that the attitude of journalists towards child abuse awareness is considerable, mainly considering it as sexual abuse, overlooking the physical violence against children. Besides, this attitude is also of greater concern due to a lack of institutional training and strategies. Sexual violence against children is mostly reported, while physical and emotional violence remains underrepresented. They also indicate Urdu and English newspapers as mainly reporting child abuse. Finally, the participants show optimism about the role of data journalism in highlighting social issues, especially child abuse. However, they emphasize implementing data journalism training programmes and effective strategies to curb the relevant concern. The study participants also argue that the role of data journalism could be significant in the future, leading to policy-making and governmental consideration. Thus, it is concluded that data journalism can effectively raise child abuse awareness and advocate children’s rights in Pakistan. Media organizations can fulfil their social responsibility by highlighting the relevant issues to ensure a better future for Pakistani children.

Pakistan is a multi-religious and multicultural society, home to Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and followers of other prominent faiths. This diversity extends beyond religious distinctions to encompass cultural and ethnic variations. Media, particularly newspapers, play a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of these religious groups, emphasizing the importance of impartial and responsible journalism. This study conducts a content analysis of 84 news articles from leading Pakistani newspapers to scrutinize the portrayal of religious groups. The Findings reveal an unequal distribution of media coverage, with Christians receiving the highest attention compared to other non-Muslim groups. While the portrayal of non-Muslim groups is predominantly positive (90.5%), instances of anti-Ahmadi content reflect complexity in media narratives. The findings note a significant focus on the well-being of religious groups and their contributions to society, with 85.7% of articles highlighting religious events. The positive representation reflects broader societal discourse acknowledging diverse contributions and cultural expressions. However, the study raises critical questions about editorial decisions, journalistic priorities, and societal dynamics influencing media narratives.

This research investigates different aspects of online media usage among children and the dynamics surrounding it. It aims to determine the patterns of online media consumption among children and comprehend their perceptions concerning exposure to inappropriate content online. This research is supported by the Parental Mediation Theory and quantitative design to examine children’s online experiences. Data gathered from 346 respondents revealed that the respondents indicated high-level engagement in online media, mainly for surfing and instant messaging, with daily usage varying from 1 to 3 h and some exceeding five hours. Respondents have personal accounts on more than four social networking sites, with Facebook being the principal platform. Concerning vulnerability to online indecent content, respondents emphasized examples of accidental exposure during online activities, i.e., surfing and instant messaging, mostly occurring at home and school. The frequency of exposure was usually categorized as occurring four or more times, leading to possible risks and hazards to children’s well-being. The study further highlighted children’s perceptions of parental mediation in online media use. Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of programs empowering parents with the knowledge and abilities to handle and manage their children’s online media activities adeptly. Also, maintaining a balance between using the educational benefits of online media and protecting children from possible risks becomes crucial, highlighting parents’ significant role in this critical domain. Finally, this research proposed some implications, and limitations are discussed accordingly.

Child sexual abuse is a growing problem, representing an egregious abuse of power, trust, and authority with far-reaching implications for the victims. This review study highlights the intricate psychological impacts of child sexual abuse, addressing both short and long-term consequences. Existing literature highlights the deep impacts on the victims’ psychological health and well-being, necessitating an in-depth examination of the subject. Drawing from a sample of n = 19 research articles selected through stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria and the PRISMA approach, this study synthesizes results from publications spanning 2010 to 2022. The review reveals various detrimental impacts on the victims’ psychological well-being, including short-term consequences, i.e., isolation, bullying, stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Long-term effects encompass PTSD in later life, disrupted intimate relationships, social and emotional health concerns, revictimization, and more. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the lack of a definitive number of impacts, highlighting the need to discuss and raise awareness about child sexual abuse. This increased awareness is important for parents, guardians, and responsible authorities to effectively counteract these crimes against children. Also, providing emotional support to victims is important to mitigate the long-term impacts. The researchers offer implications and discuss limitations, providing an extensive overview and foundation for future research and interventions.