Journalists from across Montenegro strengthened their skills in responsible and child-sensitive reporting during a three-day training organised by the Council of Europe Programme Office in Podgorica. The event focused on improving media practices in stories involving children, violence and peer conflict, and on aligning with human rights and child-protection standards.

Through a series of interactive sessions, the programme addressed core elements of Montenegro’s journalistic self-regulatory framework, including the application of the Code of Ethics of Journalists, and offered multidisciplinary insights into aligning media reporting with human rights standards.

The training opened with an introduction by representatives of the Council of Europe and expert consultants, who highlighted the importance of strengthening media capacity to foster informed, ethical, and sensitive reporting. Participants then engaged in discussions on the rights of the child within the media environment, guided by the Deputy Ombudsperson for Human Rights and Freedoms of Montenegro, who provided an institutional perspective on safeguarding children’s dignity and privacy.

A key component of the programme examined the psychological impact of information on children and adolescents. Through expert input from a child and adolescent psychiatrist, attendees explored the root causes and consequences of peer violence, shedding light on how media narratives can influence young people’s self-image, behaviour, and wellbeing. The session emphasised the need for accurate, non-sensationalist reporting that avoids retraumatising victims or reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

Practical group work enabled participants to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios, analysing cases and identifying best practices for responsible coverage. Consultants facilitated these sessions, encouraging critical reflection and collaboration. The final day of the training focused on concrete guidelines for reporting on violence involving children, offering step-by-step recommendations to support journalists in producing content that respects children’s rights while serving the public interest.

Throughout the event, participants stressed the importance of continuous professional development and regional cooperation in raising media standards. They recognised that responsible reporting plays a crucial role in preventing harm, informing the public, and contributing to a safer environment for children. The training concluded with a joint evaluation and reaffirmation of commitment to uphold ethical media practices in line with European standards and child-rights principles.