Ethical media reporting on sexual violence against children

Each year, the Council of Europe partners with member states, civil society organisations and national parliaments, and invites them to highlight a specific theme on the occasion of the Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (#EndChildSexualAbuseDay). In 2026, the focus is on “Ethical media reporting on sexual violence against children”, underlining the crucial role of the media in protecting children and promoting public awareness.

Under the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Lanzarote Convention), States Parties are required to encourage the media to provide appropriate information on all elements of child sexual exploitation and abuse, while safeguarding victims’ identities and upholding media freedom. 

This year’s theme highlights how ethical reporting protects victims, prevents secondary victimisation, provides reliable context, and fosters societal awareness of child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse.

On 18 November 2026, the Council of Europe will launch Media Guidelines as a practical resource for ethical reporting on sexual violence against children, adaptable to any national context.

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