Save in exceptional circumstances, the press is forbidden by the Youth Protection Act and other laws from identifying minors involved in court proceedings, be they the accused, a victim or a witness. Respect for these provisions is not only a matter of legal obligation, but also of ethical behaviour, as identifying minors could pose a threat to their safety or well-being, and compromise their social reintegration.

Even in cases that do not involve the legal system, the media should be careful not to identify minors if doing so might stigmatize them in some way or compromise their personal safety or social development.

There are times when the public interest supersedes this principle. For example, an editor may see a need to bring to light tragedies or other events involving juveniles that threaten the well-being of an individual, a group or society as a whole, or to investigate serious social problems involving youths. In all cases, the press must exercise discretion and restraint and demonstrate respect for those involved when choosing how to cover a story. The press should also avoid causing unnecessary suffering to the young victims of traumatic events. The identity of juveniles should be revealed only in exceptional cases. All necessary precautions must be taken and the free and informed consent of the youths must be obtained in the presence of their parents or guardians.  It is preferable to prevent the harm caused by the publication of a youth’s identity than to later undo it.  Harm caused by the publication of the identity of a youth is better prevented than repaired.