Ombudsperson for children, Tatjana Katkić Stanić, called on the media on Monday to respect the highest ethical standards when reporting on the death of a child in Velika Gorica who choked on food during the school holidays.
As Sanja Kos, the doctor on duty at the Institute of Emergency Medicine of the Zagreb County, confirmed for RTL Danas, during a long break, a second-grade elementary school student began to choke on food. The ambulance arrived quickly, but was unable to save him. A crisis team from the Ministry of Education is scheduled to arrive at the school tomorrow to provide assistance to students and teachers.
In a press release, the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children points out that they are deeply shocked by the media reports about the death of a child in Velika Gorica, and express their condolences to the family, friends and school community.
“We ask the media and all citizens for solidarity and refraining from premature interpretations as well as respect for the family’s right to privacy. We call on the media to report on the event with special attention and caution, respecting the highest ethical standards and principles. We appeal that the reports do not present details of the event and unofficial information and information that may indirectly lead to the discovery of the child’s identity,” said the Ombudsman’s Office, reports Hina.
Refrain, they urged, from passing on the statements of eyewitnesses and a sensationalist approach, because the protection of the dignity and privacy of the child is of the utmost importance in these moments.
We also appeal for responsibility on social networks – be responsible in posts and comments and show empathy towards the family and other children who witnessed the tragic event in order to protect them and not further traumatize them, the press release states.
They added that the Office cooperates with the child protection system in order to provide professional assistance to children, parents and school employees and to mobilize all support resources.
(TYPE/Source: Fena/Photo: Illustration/Fena)
