Too often, children’s stories are filtered through adult perspectives that overlook their agency and achievements. To truly honour young voices, media must frame children, especially young athletes, not as passive subjects or mere statistics, but as active participants in their own journeys. By doing so, we protect their dignity, celebrate their resilience, and show how talent flourishes when youth are given space to lead their narratives.
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) awards News24 a GLAD[1] for its story “Meet the fastest 15-year-old in southern Africa, Rondebosch Boys’ Logan Linnen”(04/09/2025) written by Paul Herman. The article exemplifies ethical, child-sensitive reporting by placing Logan at the centre of his story, highlighting his achievements and aspirations and framing his journey with dignity and encouragement.
The story gives Logan’s voice prominence as he reflects on his gold medal, his joy in representing South Africa and his dreams of one day travelling with Team SA. These quotes respect his right to be heard, as outlines in Article 12 of the UNCRC[2] and allow him to share his pride and motivation in his own words. Complementing this, adult voices such as his parents, teachers and coaches, provide context and support, showing how adults can nurture talent without overshadowing the child. This balance enriches the story while keeping Logan’s perspective at its heart.
The use of images and video showing Logan on the track and celebrating with his medal is ethically sound. These visuals present him in a proud and uplifting light that honours his dignity and accomplishments. By steering clear of intrusive or exploitative content, News24 upholds responsible practices aligned with MADOAT principles for ethical representation of children
The article thoughtfully places Logan’s achievement within the wider context of South Africa’s performance at the Cosassa Games, portraying him not only as a standout athlete but also as a valued member of his team and nation. This framing supports the best-interests principle outlined in Section 28(2) of the South African Constitution [3]and aligns with Article 16 of the UNCRC[4], which safeguards children’s honour and reputation.
MMA congratulates News24 for its empowering and celebratory coverage of Logan Linnen. By centring the child’s voice, including supportive adult perspectives, and using images responsibly, the publication demonstrates that sports stories about children can be exciting, informative, and ethical. This reporting not only highlights a young athlete’s achievement but also sets a strong example of how journalism can protect children’s rights while inspiring audiences.
Written By Keamogetswe Sere
Edited By Ntombifuthi Kubeka