Vol. 1, Issue 8, Part G (2015)

Abstract
Children and childhood across the world have broadly been construed in terms of a golden age that is synonymous with innocence, freedom, joy, play and the like. It is the time when, spared the rigors of adult life, one hardly shoulders any kind of responsibility or obligations. But, then, it is also true that children are vulnerable, especially when very young. Human rights are fundamental freedom to which everyone is entitled. It is about being treated with dignity and respect. It is especially important to vulnerable or less powerful people – children, that in ill health or in care. Child related issues are important. Media professionals should always strive to bring attention to issues that affect children in society. Children’s interests (ie trends, music, and social media etc) should also be explored and reported on by media professionals to encourage the involvement of children in the media. We all know that India became independent on 15 August 1947. Correspondingly, the Constitution of India, which came into force in January’1950, contains provisions for survival, development and protection of children. These are included both in III and IV of the Constitution pertaining to ‘Fundamental Rights' and 'Directive Principles of State Policy'. Since media is the eyes and ears of any democratic society, their existence becomes detrimental to the sustenance of all democratic societies. Unless a society knows what is happening to it and to its members, the question of protecting or promoting rights does not emerge. Hence, it is in fulfilling this function that media justifies its existence. No doubt in India, media especially the print, has played an important role in educating and informing citizens of their rights as well as the violations of such rights.