Make Abuse Disappear Online Accountability Tool (MAD OAT)

Following an instance where a child's rights are violated in the media, or where the media have made an effort to protect the rights of the child, the MAD OAT network will respond to the media concerned, the relevant regulatory body, and to other media. It is envisaged that numerous objections and acknowledgment of instances of best practice, from children, key non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and professionals working on child abuse, will make a significant impact on the media concerned, and, importantly, on the complaints and regulatory bodies.

The following process outlines the practical operation of the network:

• MMA monitors the media. When MMA identifies a problematic or positive item, it places the item on the MAD OAT website. (MMA envisages that other network members may also identify items and bring these to the attention of MMA);
• As soon as the item is on the website, an email will be sent to all members of the MAD OAT network, outlining the problem and/or reason for best practice;
• At the same time, a formatted response is generated and sent to each network member, thus requiring minimum effort from people who have limited time and resources to draft letters of complaint;
• Each network participant then visits the website and submits a formatted response, which will be sent to the medium concerned, other media, MMA, and the regulatory/complaints body. Each network member can send the formatted response in his or her own capacity, or else together with MMA;
• MMA will inform network members of what action (if any) was taken by the complaints body;
• MMA will also work with the children's reference group to ensure that there is participation from children in the process. It is envisaged that such participation will take the form of monthly meetings with the children's reference group. In seeking children's participation, MMA will ensure that the participation is meaningful, and that it is undertaken in a responsible and ethical manner.

The project works with a network of child abuse experts who believe that it is important to consider children's opinions when helping them. The organisers set up a child reference group that meets regularly to review the articles and letters sent to the media and media authorities.

Children, Rights.

MMA has done extensive research on children in the media. In general, children's stories and images are used to add dramatic value to a news story. This is true particularly for bad news, as children's voices are highlighted in stories of death and disaster, and are characterised as victims in child abuse stories. Children are seldom asked their opinions but, rather, used as passive subjects of stories.