Algeria’s Audiovisual Authority Warns Media Ahead of Baccalaureate: No Compromise on Child Protection

✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Regulator Decries Irresponsible Coverage of Minors During Exams, Threatens Legal Action for Violations of Children’s Rights

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Algiers, Algeria | June 10th, 2025 — In a strongly-worded warning issued on Tuesday, Algeria’s Independent National Authority for Audiovisual Regulation (ARAV) cautioned media outlets against exposing minors to defamation, exploitation, or emotional harm during the upcoming coverage of the national Baccalaureate exams.

The statement comes in the wake of what the Authority described as “irresponsible media practices” during the recent Brevet (Middle School Certificate) examination period, where several outlets conducted on-the-spot interviews with underage students immediately after they exited exam centers. These actions, the Authority emphasized, constitute a serious breach of the legal and ethical framework governing child protection in Algeria.

“With only days remaining before the Baccalaureate exams,” ARAV stated, “we express our deep concern regarding the continued violation of legal and regulatory provisions, especially those related to the protection of minors.” The Authority described such coverage as a grave transgression and a direct violation of the rights and dignity of children, warning that further incidents will be met with stringent legal consequences.

The regulatory body explicitly condemned the continued disregard by some audiovisual media organizations for national legislation that clearly stipulates:

• The absolute prohibition of media defamation and exploitation of minors.

• The requirement of prior, explicit written consent from a legal guardian before broadcasting or publishing a child’s image or statement, especially in contexts deemed sensitive, stressful, or identity-exposing.

ARAV reiterated that any interview involving a minor under the age of 18, when aired or shared digitally without full compliance with these legal prerequisites, constitutes a serious legal offense punishable under Algerian law.

“These practices are not merely lapses in judgment,” the Authority said. “They are profound violations that undermine children’s rights and expose them to harmful consequences—including public ridicule, online bullying, and long-term psychological trauma.”

The statement further stressed that protecting children is not a legal luxury but a moral and societal duty that lies squarely on the shoulders of audiovisual institutions. Media professionals, the Authority insisted, must uphold the highest standards of journalistic ethics, discretion, and responsibility when dealing with minors, particularly in emotionally charged settings like national examinations.

The Authority condemned the opportunistic media exploitation of children’s innocence for ratings or viral content, declaring such acts as “degrading” and “ethically indefensible.” It highlighted that public exposure during moments of emotional vulnerability, such as exam stress, may leave deep psychological scars and open the door to digital harassment and stigmatization on social media platforms—harms that could haunt affected children for life.

ARAV concluded its warning by urging all media directors, editors, and field reporters to review their editorial policies and strictly adhere to Algeria’s legal obligations regarding minors. It also reaffirmed its readiness to enforce compliance, including by initiating legal procedures against any institution that violates the inviolable rights of children.

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