Children deserve reporting that protects their dignity, centres their well-being, and recognises their right to be heard at the right time. For that reason, Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) gives the publication a MAD. Immediate public interviews, particularly before they’ve had a chance to process their experience, may conflict with this right. While children’s voices are vital, the media must balance public interest with sensitivity to children’s emotional readiness and privacy. Written By Keamogetswe SereEdited By Ntombifuthi Kubeka[1] MADs are given to media for irresponsibly reporting on children and compromising their safety.