The General Authority for Monitoring Media Content has warned against media practices that involve publishing photos and videos of children in vulnerable states or embarrassing situations.
The Authority stressed that such behaviors can expose minors to psychological and social pressures and violate their dignity.
The warning came in an exclusive statement by the Authority’s head, Jalal Othman, to the Libyan News Agency, coinciding with the societal debate sparked by the case of a young girl in the city of Derna who was subjected to domestic violence, and the subsequent circulation of her photos on social media platforms.
The administration of a school in Derna had revealed that a female student had suffered burns and abuse from her aunt in the absence of her deceased father, which led to the aunt’s arrest after an official report was filed. The publication of the child’s photos online triggered a widespread wave of public and rights-based condemnation.
Othman stated that the Authority classifies the irresponsible photographing of children as a practice that could cause them psychological and social harm, noting that filming students in vulnerable situations—such as crying at the beginning of the school year—is a violation that could lead to them being bullied later on.
He confirmed that the Authority bases this on Law No. 9 of 1968, despite the urgent need for its modernization.
The Authority called for adherence to ethical and professional standards when dealing with children in media content, including: avoiding showing children in demeaning situations such as poverty, homelessness, and begging; obtaining written permission from the child or their guardian before filming or interviewing them; explaining the purpose of using the images and ensuring the child’s dignity and identity are preserved; and avoiding mentioning names or revealing faces in criminal or sensitive cases.
Jalal affirmed that the most prominent violations monitored by the Authority include publishing photos of students crying at the beginning of the school year, or reusing children’s images as satirical material on social media platforms, which can leave long-term psychological effects including trauma, impaired neurological development, and an impact on their future privacy.
In a related context, the Authority announced the launch of an electronic form for reporting media violations, including those related to children, with the aim of enabling citizens to report any offending content. Othman explained that the Authority handles reports in coordination with the Ministries of Education and Interior, and a number of institutions to ensure the reduction of repeated violations.
The Authority also seeks to enhance professional awareness within media institutions and has noted—according to Othman —a positive response from some institutions that have already deleted or modified non-compliant content after being officially contacted.
