Published: 12:26 AM, 24 May 2026
Role of Mass Media Is Enormous in Preventing Child Abuse
Rifat Munir
Child abduction, abuse and murder have now become a common scenario especially in urban areas nowadays. The recent incident has crossed all sorts of brutality in the near past. Hence we all know that print and electronic media play their duties accordingly, brought it to light and we have seen the picture through their descriptions and images.
It should be noted that this is not the first time. Any rape or women repression case in Bangladesh get the media coverage, they emphasize on proper investigation and justice. But at the end the nation fails to see a single instance in this regard. Rather lack of judgment initiated another such violence which proves a complete failure of justice.
Now, the question arises how the media can be used? Is it only to serve the news, and then after a few days turn the pubic eyes to another issue to let them forget and forgive the rapist or the murderer? What if they do not publish or focus the matter so seriously?
We are going through a new social crisis, when, it is said that compassion, empathy or kindness are the words which exist only in the dictionary. The reality is, you find a mob attacking area full of handset where videos are taken. They soon became viral, which instigate others to join, to comment, or to act irrationally. We, in a second can easily send those videos and pictures to our friends and followers. To increase the view, we do it intentionally. And that makes the difference. It is not only seen by those who belong to a particular age in the society, but people in general watch it, children are of no exception.
Now, first thing is how severely it can affect the mental health of our kids--not only the young generation, but also those who are sensitive and compassionate by nature. And I am quite sure those people remained sleepless after watching the Pallabi incident.
The brutal killing of Ramisa after being physically abused, have touched the hearts of millions, and many become phobic about their girl children. It became viral with lot of images and details, and in social media it becomes more too easy to get. Such panic stricken images and videos are slowly destroying our lives though it should not be.
Hence, what should be the role of media in this case? To show the development of the investigation, to build public awareness more, to teach our young kids to face the challenges, the difficulties , not to trust others without their parents only, and to make a social revolution to ensure the safety and security of our girl children .
Television channels, radio stations and social media platforms are used to run campaigns that teach the public how to recognize physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. They highlight how and where to report suspicions safely. Media programs can be designed specifically for children and youth, providing them with essential information about their rights, personal boundaries, and avenues for seeking help if they feel unsafe. Comprehensive coverage of child protection issues keeps the topic on the political agenda. It pressures policymakers to enact strict anti-abuse laws and ensures child protection agencies remain transparent and accountable.
It is true that time flies so fast. We often forget the past incidents so quickly. But what lesson we have learnt, or whether we have tried to learn anything from them remains a mystery, a big question to deal with.
Rifat Munir studied English
literature in University
of Chittagong.
