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Interviewing a minor: Consent forms

  • 16-03-2011 11:00am
    #1
    -Kosh-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18 ✭


    Hi all,

    We are interviewing a 17 year old for a self-published magazine, and were wondering about the legal issues concerned. Our mag doesn't have any professional journalists, hence we're quite unaware of what the procedure for this is. Basically, the question is, do we need a parental consent form to publish an interview with a minor? If so, are there any sample forms online that people could point me towards?

    Appreciated!


Comments

  • #2
    James Jones
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 534 ✭✭✭James Jones


    Parental Consent is greatly misunderstood and open to interpretation.
    Section 23.—(1) of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997 indicates that a 16 year old can consent themselves whereas the HSE Staff Guidelines specify 18.
    If you decide that you DO need parental consent, make sure you get consent from BOTH legal guardians as they act JOINTLY in accordance with Section 6.—(1) of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 or you could end up HERE!

    EDIT: Press Ombudsman Code of Practice Principle 9 − Children
    9.1 Newspapers and magazines shall take particular care in seeking and presenting information or comment about a child under the age of 16.
    9.2 Journalists and editors should have regard for the vulnerability of children, and in all dealings with children should bear in mind the age of the child, whether parental or other adult consent has been obtained for such dealings, the sensitivity of the subject-matter, and what circumstances if any make the story one of public interest. Young people should be free to complete their time at school without unnecessary intrusion. The fame, notoriety or position of a parent or guardian must not be used as sole justification for publishing details of a childs private life.

    Contact the Ombudsman at info@pressombudsman.ie and ask them.


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