Media reporting on child homicide victims: a consultation on the issues

Overview

This consultation has been prompted by concerns raised by families bereaved by crime about the traumatic impact of ongoing press and social media coverage of the death of their loved one. This can be particularly distressing when that loved one was a child.

Involving families with experience of such terrible loss, the Scottish Government has already taken forward a number of activities to explore this issue. This has included a roundtable on the end point for anonymity for child victims in February 2024 involving victims organisations and media representatives amongst others, meetings with bereaved families and research on international models of anonymity for victims of crimes.

Family members have told us that they would welcome enhanced reporting and publication restrictions, including anonymity for children who have died as a result of a criminal act. They have said these changes would prevent ongoing distress and protect the wellbeing of child siblings of a child who has been killed. 

In considering this sensitive area of reporting, media organisations have highlighted press freedoms, the role of the media in reporting on issues that are in the public interest and how traditional news media already self-regulates when it comes to preserving the anonymity of living victims of crime. The considerable challenges of seeking to manage communication of information online through, for example, social media, have also been highlighted.

We have heard about the challenges and in some cases the distress faced by families in other countries where reporting restrictions have been put in place that prevented them from talking openly about their loved one.

We are very grateful to all those who have shared their views with us so far, bereaved families in particular. It is clear from those conversations that this subject matter engages a range of complex issues. It is also clear that this is not an issue on which decisions can, or should, be made without a fuller understanding of the consequences - intended and unintended - of any change in policy or legislation.

The purpose of this consultation is to draw together views so that next steps can be informed by a wide range of insights and experiences. It is essential that we build on the evidence base and seek to develop a shared understanding of the issues before any decisions are made on future developments.

If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this consultation, information, advice and assistance can be provided by Victim Support Scotland and other organisations that provide general and specialist support.

Read the consultation paper. The consultation paper contains full background information for this consultation. You may find it useful to read or refer to while responding.

Why your views matter

This consultation provides you with the chance to contribute to shaping consideration of future policy. This will be adding to the evidence and views that have already been gathered. We welcome your help in ensuring that any decision we make on our approach to this issue is robust, evidence-based, and ultimately the right approach for the people of Scotland.

What happens next

After the consultation has closed, we will publish responses, where we have been given permission to do so. The responses will be analysed, and used to help inform policy in this area. Analysis of the consultation will be published in due course.