This manual seeks to help social communicators and journalists communicate about early childhood and the rights of children adequately, efficiently, and in a timely way. The manual is a part of the 2009 Organization of American State (OAS) programme: “Hemispheric Expansion and Commitment to Early Education through Technology and Communication Networks”, and contains basic criterion for informative coverage of childhood-related issues in order to guarantee, modify, or innovate (best) practice in the media. These criteria should make strides toward developing communication and journalism that are more aware of responsibilities and of the concrete, "on the ground" conditions in the social, political, and economic areas. The material is a guide on how to turn scientific information into easily understandable texts as well to educate journalists on the key elements of early childhood:
- The communication and mass media context in the production logic.
- Guidelines for information management in the press, including language and format.
- Follow up, evaluation, and reflection about early childhood and journalistic treatment of the issue.
The text explains how information management can create positive change in public opinion and societal responses, and, conversely, how it can generate indifference. Thus, the text calls on the media to strengthen their educational role and concludes that journalistic social responsibility goes further than simply promoting events in which children are the protagonists, denouncing abuses, or referring to daily occurrences. It is indispensable that the media produce information on early childhood that shows new perspectives, new informational focuses, rigorous investigation, and a rights-based perspective at the core.
OAS website, January 25 2013.