What does this policy mean for you?
This page explains how Headlines UK safeguards children and young people when we report on them. If you are a parent, guardian, young person, or a professional working with minors, you can use this page to understand our commitments and to find out who to contact if you have a concern.
Every article that involves a minor receives additional scrutiny. We follow the guidance of the Independent Press Standards Organisation and the law on reporting children in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Our aim is to tell important stories without causing harm or infringing privacy.
What is our approach to covering children and young people?
Headlines UK believes that children have a right to privacy and protection, and that their welfare always comes first. We cover stories about young people only when there is a clear public interest, and we take great care not to identify or embarrass them unnecessarily.
We never publish a child’s name, image or school unless that information is directly relevant to the story and we have obtained consent from a parent, guardian or the child’s local authority (where applicable). Even when consent is given, we consider whether the long‑term impact of public exposure could be harmful. Our editorial team reviews each case individually, guided by the NSPCC’s safeguarding principles and the UK’s data protection laws.
When do we apply extra safeguards?
Extra safeguards apply in every story that names, quotes, photographs or directly references a person under the age of 18. We also apply them when a story involves vulnerable young people – for instance, those in care, those who are victims of crime, or those with mental‑health conditions.
In such cases we consider anonymity, the use of pseudonyms, and whether the story can be told without any identifying detail. We also check that the child’s own views have been taken into account and that they are not being exploited or used simply to make a story more dramatic. These decisions are documented and signed off by a senior editor.
Who reviews content involving minors?
Every article that features a child or young person is reviewed by our Standards & Fact‑Checking Lead, Oliver Reeves. Mr Reeves has specific responsibility for safeguarding issues and works with the newsroom to ensure our coverage meets both legal and ethical standards.
Oliver also liaises with our wider team of editors and correspondents to make sure that any image, quote or detail is necessary and proportionate. If there is any doubt about a minor’s safety or privacy, the content is held back until the issue is resolved. You can read more about our overall editorial approach on our Editorial Policy page.
How this works in practice
Imagine we receive a tip about a school competition in which a 14‑year‑old student wins a national prize. Before publishing, our reporter checks whether the student’s school has given permission to name them, and whether the student and their parents have consented. The reporter also asks what the student’s usual school day involves, so that any photograph we use does not reveal their timetable or location.
The story is then flagged to Oliver Reeves, who reviews the draft. He confirms that the student’s home town is not mentioned, that the image shows only the student’s face (not a uniform badge or identifiable background), and that the student’s own quote is positive and was given freely. Only after Oliver signs off does the article go live. If the student later asks for the story to be removed, we do so promptly and without question – as we would for any minor.
Who owns and operates Headlines UK?
Headlines UK is owned and operated by Sliema Media Limited, a company registered in Malta (Malta Business Registry number C 84217). Our registered office is at Level 3, Tower Business Centre, Tower Street, Swatar, Birkirkara BKR 4013, Malta. The publication is editorially independent, and commercial relationships – including advertising and sponsorship – never determine our coverage of children or any other subject.
How can you report a concern?
If you believe a story on Headlines UK has put a child at risk, misidentified a minor, or breached this policy, please contact us immediately on our dedicated complaints email: complaints@headlinesuk.uk.
Your message will be seen by Oliver Reeves and the Editor‑in‑Chief, David Harwood. We promise to acknowledge your concern within two working days and to investigate thoroughly. We will also remove or correct any material that we agree does not meet our standards. For more information on how we handle complaints, see our Complaints Procedure.
In short
Headlines UK puts the safety and dignity of children above all other considerations in our journalism. Every story involving a minor is checked by our Standards Lead, and we act quickly to correct or remove any content that causes concern. If you have any questions or worries, please write to complaints@headlinesuk.uk – we are here to listen.