Editorial Ethics Policy

1. Commitment to Ethical Journalism

Independent Youth Press (IYP) is committed to ethical, responsible youth journalism. IYP aims to publish work that is accurate, fair, respectful, and safe for learners and the
public. This policy is aligned with generally accepted journalism ethics and relevant Press Council standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to: IYP staff and editors, contributors, volunteers, Teacher Champions, and all learners participating in IYP where their work is published or shared publicly.
This policy applies to written stories, audio/video, photographs, social media posts published by IYP, and any IYP-branded content.

3. Core Ethical Principles

• Accuracy and verification
• Fairness and right of reply
• Accountability and transparent corrections
• Respect and harm reduction
• Protection of children and vulnerable persons
• Independence and political neutrality

3. Accuracy and Verification

All stories must be verified before publication. This includes:

• Checking names, dates, places, and key facts.
• Distinguishing clearly between fact, opinion, and analysis.
• Avoiding rumours and unverified claims.
• Using reliable sources and keeping basic notes or evidence where appropriate.

If a significant error is identified, IYP will correct it promptly and clearly.

5. Fairness, Balance and Right of Reply

IYP will take reasonable steps to present issues fairly and avoid misrepresentation.

Where a story makes a negative or critical claim about an identifiable person or
organisation, IYP will give that person or organisation a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication, unless there is a compelling safety or legal reason not to do so.
IYP may summarise a response fairly if it is too long for publication, but will not distort its meaning.

6. Protection of Children and Vulnerable Persons

Extra care applies to any story involving minors or vulnerable persons.

IYP will:

• Prioritise safety over publication.
• Avoid identifying a child in a way that could cause harm.
• Require parental or legal guardian consent where applicable (especially for media use).
• Avoid publishing sensitive details that could expose a learner or child to risk.

IYP may decline, delay, edit, anonymise, or remove content where child safety risks exist.

7. Privacy, Dignity and Consent

IYP respects privacy and dignity.

Learners and contributors may not publish private personal information (such as addresses, ID numbers, or contact details) about others. Photographs and video must be used responsibly. Consent must be obtained where required, and sensitive images must not be used.
Where anonymity is required for safety, IYP will consider using pseudonyms or removing identifying details.

8. Defamation Prevention and Legal Risk Controls

IYP does not publish unverified allegations, defamatory statements, or content that could unlawfully harm a person’s reputation. Sensitive stories must receive heightened editorial review.

Where legal risk is identified, IYP may: decline publication, request more evidence, remove identifying details, or seek appropriate guidance before publishing.

9. Hate Speech, Harassment and Harmful Content

• Racism, sexism, xenophobia, or other unlawful discrimination
• Harassment, bullying, or humiliation
• Incitement to violence or harm
• Threats or intimidation

Content that targets individuals or groups for abuse will be rejected.

10. Political and Religious Neutrality

IYP is non-partisan. IYP does not endorse political parties, candidates, campaigns, or religious campaigning. Learner reporting may cover civic issues and community matters, but content must remain
factual, balanced, and not used as campaigning. Teachers and learners may not use IYP platforms for party-political promotion.

11. Conflicts of Interest and Gifts

All participants must disclose conflicts of interest, including: personal relationships, financial interests, and political affiliations that could affect fairness.
Editors may require changes, additional disclosure, or reassignment of a story where a conflict exists.

Gifts, payments, or favours in exchange for coverage are not allowed.

12. Plagiarism, Attribution and Use of Sources

Plagiarism is not allowed. Learners must:

• Use their own words and original work.
• Credit sources of information and images where used.
• Not copy and paste from websites, books, or other articles.

Editors will check for obvious plagiarism and may reject work that is not original.

13. Editorial Control and Independence

IYP retains editorial control over what is published on IYP platforms.

IYP may edit content for clarity, accuracy, safety, legality, and style, while trying to preserve the learner’s meaning and voice. IYP may refuse publication of any content that creates safeguarding, legal, reputational, or
policy risk.

14. Complaints, Corrections and Takedowns

Complaints must be submitted in writing and should include the link or title of the content and the reason for the complaint.

IYP will acknowledge receipt within a reasonable time and review the complaint fairly. Outcomes may include: acknowledgement of receipt, correction, clarification, right of
reply published, or removal where required. Where removal is requested, IYP will consider legal, safety, and public interest factors before acting.

15. Records and Review

IYP will keep basic editorial records where reasonable (for example, drafts, notes, and correction logs).

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by law or operational needs.