'Irresponsible' to send teenage 'journalists' to cover protests

The emergence of "journalists" as young as 12 at unlawful protests recently was strongly condemned by journalist organizations, experts and the government.

They slammed such a practice, saying it was "extremely irresponsible" and "absolutely inappropriate" to put children and teenagers in such high-risk situations.

Their remarks came after a 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were discovered "voluntarily" carrying out news reporting during a protest in Tsim Sha Tsui on Sunday. They were representing an online organization called Student Depth Media — consisting of several secondary school students.

Concerned about their safety, officers took them to a police station without arresting them. Police subsequently contacted their guardians to pick them up, according to a government statement issued on Monday.

In the statement, a government spokesman expressed deep concern about the matter. He strongly urged underage people to stay away from high-risk protests and to stop participating in news reporting at demonstrations.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor reiterated that young students without proper professional training should not appear at protests as ''journalists''.

"How is it possible for a child aged 12 to handle the complex and ever-changing situation at the scene?" Lam said.

Barrister Ronny Tong Ka-wah told China Daily on Tuesday it was "absolutely inappropriate" and "irresponsible" to send teenagers to protests. Their parents and employers, regardless of whether they were paid or volunteers, could face criminal charges, he said.

Tong said parents could be prosecuted for neglecting to care for their children if they allow those 16 or younger to participate in potentially dangerous activities.

Employers can also be prosecuted for failing to ensure the safety of their employees in such circumstances, Tong said, adding that such a liability would be greater if the employee is only 12 years old.

Also speaking to China Daily on Tuesday, Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers President Wong Kwan-yu said it was unacceptable and unhealthy for children to participate in political activities — whether as journalists or first-aid workers.

They can certainly take an interest in politics and learn about it, but they are not mature enough to participate in it. This is why only people aged 18 or older have the right to vote, Wong noted.

In a statement on Monday, the Hong Kong Federation of Journalists, a local reporters' group, also said it was irresponsible and inappropriate for underage students to do reporting without professional training. News reporting could be a difficult and dangerous job, the federation stressed.

The federation strongly condemned anyone putting children in potentially violent situations in the name of press freedom or experiencing life as a journalist.

It urged the community and parents to educate young people, and keep them away from potentially illegal activities.