The Juvenile Justice Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs is reminding media organisations and members of the public that publishing information capable of identifying juveniles involved in legal proceedings is prohibited under the law and may result in criminal penalties.
In a statement yesterday, the department cited Section 100(1) of the Juvenile Justice Act 2018, which prohibits the publication of the name or any information that identifies, or is likely to identify, a juvenile who is a party to or otherwise concerned in legal proceedings.
According to the department, the provision is intended to safeguard “the privacy, dignity and welfare of children who come into contact with the justice system.”
It also pointed to Section 116 of the Act, which makes a breach of Section 100(1) an offence punishable on summary conviction by a fine of $300,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.
The department said the unauthorised publication or dissemination of a juvenile’s name, photograph or any other identifying information through print, broadcast, digital or social media may constitute a violation of the legislation.
It urged media houses, journalists, editors, content creators and members of the public to avoid publishing or sharing any information that could directly or indirectly identify a juvenile involved in legal proceedings.
The department also called on stakeholders to protect the privacy and dignity of children and to ensure continued compliance with the Juvenile Justice Act, other child protection laws and established ethical standards through regular training and the review of reporting practices.
“Protecting children is a shared national responsibility,” the department said, while urging all stakeholders to uphold the law and ensure that the rights, privacy and identities of juveniles are protected at all times.
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