Children and the media in Benin: for which representation in public space?
In Benin, as in all sub-Saharan Africa, television remains the dominant medium, with nearly 54–59% of listening time dedicated to youth channels. Yet, what these young minds see in front of the screen or online often remains detached from their daily lives. Beninese children are therefore at the intersection of a global media world and a fragile local identity to represent.
Youth channels still dominate, but local content timidly emerges. However, the national media are slow to invest in a truly child-friendly representation because there are few programs created by them, little dialogue on their concerns with a lack of local content that values their culture.
The association Educ’Action and the University of Abomey Calavi launched in December 2024 a manifesto calling for using media for caring parenting with content adapted to children, tools for parents, the training of journalists and messages valuing local knowledge.
Faced with this thorny concern, Fernand NOUWLIGBETO, media consultant, advocates for clear-sighted age-appropriate signage, green alert lines, educational interventions at school, and sanctions by the High Authority of Audiovisual and Communication against abuses.
Risks and drifts ignored…
With the rise of digital technology, children are exposed to dangerous content, namely violent images, hate speech, but also fake news. Brunette ADEOSSI, a child psychiatrist, alert on the consequences that can be stress, distorted visions of reality, inappropriate behaviors. In its vision of child protection, UNICEF calls for the development of robust policies to ensure safe and equitable access to digital.
Although Internet penetration in Benin exceeds 50%, the gap in protection and regulation of content remains acute. “The presence of children in the media is not just a matter of visibility. It is the recognition of their place in society. Without positive representation, they remain invisible and depreciated,” says Alain SOHOUIDE, sociologist.
Initiatives to be taken…
Several initiatives are emerging, notably that of the Regard d’Amour Foundation which has opted for awareness through educational film screenings in rural areas, as a complement to children’s rights. In addition, the High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication and the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulation Authority must coordinate audiovisual regulation, signage and alert lines.
This justifies the reason why, in terms of future prospects, more local content for children will have to be produced, namely stories, arts, sciences and debates. It is also necessary to train specialized journalists and strengthen organizations such as the Observatory of Ethics and Deontology in the Media and the Union of Media Professionals of Benin to oversee adult broadcasting-child, to institutionalize child participation through councils, school newspapers and digital TV, to regulate digital access, but also and above all to promote media education from school, integrated into the programs.
The representation of children in the Beninese media is at a crossroads. Screens can be spaces of recognition, learning and protection, or on the contrary vectors of alienation.
For young Beninese to grow in confidence, their voices must be heard, and their faces valued, and this requires a concerted effort with local content, responsible regulation and an active role for children. Because what the media tells about them influences what they believe they can become.