Media Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse in Nepal: A Content Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a worldwide problem. It is associated with a range of adverse consequences. There has been no report assessing media reporting of CSA in Nepal. We aimed to assess the pattern of reporting of news by media on the topic of CSA in Nepal. Methods: We did a content analysis of articles from online archives in the two most popular English-language newspapers published in Nepal on reporting of CSA from the period between June 1, 2020, and August 31, 2021. A predesigned proforma was used and a descriptive analysis was carried out. Results: A total of 142 English newspaper articles reporting on CSA were analysed. The majority of reports (83.1%, n = 118) had an episodic framing. Overall, 90.1% of the reports mentioned some form of action taken by the authorities indicating the criminal justice point of view for CSA. The information identifying the victim(s) was presented in 15 news reports. 28.9% ( n = 43) of news reports had some information about possible steps to prevent events and none of the news reports provided a child helpline number or contact information for any other child support/welfare services. Conclusions: The reports presented an episodic frame and focused on details of individual cases and steps taken by the criminal justice system. There is a gross lack of information about the causes of CSA and steps to prevent them like an expert opinion, help lines, crisis management, etc. There is an urgent need to develop national guidelines in order to improve the media reporting of CSA.