Code of Ethics

Our Mission

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KidScoop Media (KSM) believes that young people deserve a seat at the table where important conversations take place. Our mission is to empower children and teens to become thoughtful, curious, ethical journalists who ask meaningful questions and tell stories that matter.

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Every KidScoop Media reporter, volunteer, mentor, and board member is expected to uphold the following principles.

 

 

1. We Tell the Truth

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We are committed to accuracy, honesty, and fairness.

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We will:

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• Verify facts before publishing.

• Use reliable sources whenever possible.

• Never knowingly publish false or misleading information.

• Clearly distinguish between facts, opinions, and commentary.

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If we make a mistake, we will correct it promptly and transparently.

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2. We Report Fairly

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Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

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KidScoop Media reporters will:

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• Listen respectfully.

• Ask thoughtful questions.

• Give interview subjects an opportunity to explain their views.

• Avoid sensationalism or misleading headlines.

 

 

3. We Are Independent

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Our journalism is never for sale.

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Although KidScoop Media is supported through donations, sponsorships, and grants, our editorial decisions are made independently. Those supporters have no influence over editorial decisions, interview questions, or the child chosen to do an interview.

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Donors, sponsors, and partners do not determine whom we interview, what questions are asked, or how stories are reported. 

 

 

4. We Respect Everyone

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We believe every person deserves kindness.

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KidScoop Media reporters will:

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• Treat all interview subjects professionally.

• Respect differences in race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, disability, age, political beliefs, and culture.

• Never use hate speech or discriminatory language.

 

 

5. We Protect Children

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Because KidScoop Media works with young journalists, protecting children is one of our highest priorities.

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We will:

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• Obtain appropriate parent or guardian permission when required.

• Protect the privacy of minors whenever appropriate.

• Never pressure a child into giving an interview.

• Provide safe, respectful reporting environments.

 

 

6. We Avoid Conflicts of Interest

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Our reporting should always be trustworthy.

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KidScoop Media reporters should:

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• Disclose personal relationships that could affect their reporting.

• Avoid accepting gifts or favors from interview subjects.

• Never allow personal opinions to interfere with factual reporting.

 

 

7. We Respect Privacy

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Not every story belongs in the public eye.

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We will carefully consider whether publishing personal information could cause unnecessary harm, especially when children are involved.

 

 

8. We Credit the Work of Others

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We respect intellectual property.

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KidScoop Media reporters will:

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• Credit photographers, writers, artists, and creators.

• Never plagiarize.

• Use images, music, and video only when we have permission or the legal right to do so.

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Use of KidScoop Media (KSM) produced content can only be used with prior approval from KSM on other sites and platforms.

 

 

9. We Use Artificial Intelligence Responsibly

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Artificial intelligence may assist with tasks such as transcription, organization, or grammar.

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However:

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• AI will never replace original reporting.

• All published content will be reviewed by a human editor.

• Quotes, facts, and reporting will always be verified by people before publication.

 

 

10. We Represent KidScoop Media Professionally

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When attending press conferences, sporting events, government meetings, or interviews, KidScoop Media reporters will:

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• Wear appropriate attire.

• Be courteous and respectful.

• Follow venue rules and media credential requirements.

• Conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on KidScoop Media.

 

 

11. We Value Curiosity

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Young journalists ask questions adults sometimes forget to ask.

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We encourage our reporters to:

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• Be curious.

• Be courageous.

• Be respectful.

• Continue learning.

• Seek understanding rather than conflict.

 

 

Corrections Policy

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KidScoop Media is committed to accountability.

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If factual errors are identified, we will:

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• Correct them as quickly as possible.

• Clearly indicate when significant corrections have been made.

• Welcome constructive feedback from readers and interview subjects.

 

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Our Commitment

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KidScoop Media believes journalism should inform, inspire, and build stronger communities

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We are committed to producing journalism that is truthful, ethical, independent, respectful, and worthy of the trust placed in us by the public.

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Ethics Violations and Removal from KidScoop Media

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KidScoop Media reserves the right to suspend or terminate the participation of any reporter, volunteer, intern, parent, or representative whose conduct is inconsistent with our mission, Code of Ethics, or organizational values.

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Grounds for suspension or dismissal may include, but are not limited to:

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• Knowingly providing false or misleading information.

• Plagiarism or presenting another person's work as one's own.

• Fabricating interviews, quotes, photographs, or sources.

• Harassment, bullying, discrimination, intimidation, or retaliation toward any participant, interview subject, volunteer, staff member, or member of the public.

• Disruptive, abusive, or unprofessional behavior during KidScoop Media activities or events.

• Misuse of media credentials, press access, or KidScoop Media equipment or property.

• Violating confidentiality or privacy expectations.

• Conduct, whether in person or online, that damages the reputation, integrity, or mission of KidScoop Media.

• Failure to follow the reasonable directions of KidScoop Media staff or event organizers.

• Any conduct that compromises the safety or well-being of participants or others.

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KidScoop Media will generally review alleged violations and, when appropriate, provide the participant and, if the participant is a minor, their parent or legal guardian, an opportunity to respond before disciplinary action is taken. However, KidScoop Media reserves the right to suspend or terminate participation immediately, without prior warning, when it determines that a serious violation has occurred or when immediate action is necessary to protect the safety, integrity, or reputation of the organization.

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Participation in KidScoop Media is voluntary. Decisions regarding suspension or termination are made at the sole discretion of KidScoop Media and are intended to preserve a safe, respectful, ethical, and professional environment for all participants.

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Parent and Guardian Code of Conduct

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KidScoop Media values the support of parents and guardians, whose encouragement makes our young reporters' experiences possible. To maintain the professionalism and credibility of our organization, parents and guardians must allow KidScoopers to conduct interviews independently.

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During Interviews and Media Events

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Parents and guardians agree to:

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• Allow their child to conduct interviews without interruption or assistance.

• Refrain from asking questions of the interview subject, guest, public official, athlete, celebrity, or any other individual being interviewed by KidScoop Media.

• Not participate in, interrupt, or otherwise insert themselves into any interview unless specifically invited by KidScoop Media staff.

• Not request personal photographs or selfies with interview subjects, nor insert themselves into photographs intended for KidScoop Media.

• Not engage in conversation with the interview subject or members of their staff, public relations team, security personnel, or event representatives unless specifically authorized by KidScoop Media.

• Not record, livestream, photograph, or video any interview, press conference, backstage activity, or restricted media area unless prior written permission has been granted by KidScoop Media.

• Respect all venue rules, credential requirements, embargoes, and media restrictions.

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Restricted Access

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Parents, guardians, siblings, relatives, and guests may not enter restricted media areas, including but not limited to:

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• Green rooms

• Backstage or behind-the-scenes areas

• Locker rooms

• Media workrooms

• Press filing centers

• Credentialed media sections

• Interview staging areas

• Any other restricted area designated by event organizers

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Access to these areas is limited to credentialed KidScoop Media personnel unless express permission has been granted by KidScoop Media and the event organizer.

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Parents and guardians may not bring additional family members or guests into credentialed or restricted areas without prior authorization from KidScoop Media.

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Professional Representation

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Parents and guardians understand that they are representatives of KidScoop Media while attending events and agree to conduct themselves professionally, courteously, and respectfully at all times.

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Failure to comply with these standards may result in removal from the event, suspension or termination of the child's participation in KidScoop Media, revocation of future event invitations, or other disciplinary action deemed appropriate by KidScoop Media.

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Donations and Fees

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Donations, participation fees, and other voluntary financial contributions made to KidScoop Media are considered charitable or program-support contributions and are non-refundable, regardless of a participant's suspension, dismissal, withdrawal, or termination from the program.

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KidScoop Media reserves the right to deny or revoke participation at its sole discretion when it determines that doing so is in the best interests of the organization, its participants, or its partners.