Sir, – If I attend my child’s school play, I am asked not to take pictures of the children, especially not to post them online. But no one seems to mind when photos of children from some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable places are posted online and broadcast freely.
On TV news bulletins a report on sexual assault or domestic abuse is often preceded by a viewer warning that the content may be disturbing. Once the report ends, the newsreader advises those affected that support services are available, with phone numbers and websites shown on screen.
But no such caution is offered before showing footage of a child starved to the point where his spine is visible, or his face is emaciated and his eyes bulging in his eye sockets. These images are broadcast without pause and without warning.
I find these images gut-churning, traumatising and shameful.
RM Block
What is it about these stories that leads editors and broadcasters to believe viewers need no warning and no support? – Yours, etc,
DIARMUID O’CINNEIDE,
Garryowen,
Limerick.
