Canada Scope’s mission is to report on complex issues without spin, and that responsibility is especially important when children are involved. This policy sets clear rules for every journalist, editor, and contributor so that covering minors never compromises their safety, dignity, or privacy. It applies across all formats—articles, images, video, and social media—and is endorsed by Editor‑in‑Chief Catherine Roy. You can find our broader editorial standards in the Editorial Policy and learn about our team on the Our Team page.
How do we protect children in our reporting?
We treat the involvement of any minor (under 18) as a heightened‑scrutiny matter. Before publication, the reporter and editor must assess whether the child’s identity is necessary to the story. If it is not, we anonymise or remove identifying details. When identification is essential—for example, in a feature about a youth activist—written consent from a parent or guardian is obtained, and the child is offered the chance to review the relevant passages in advance.
Our fact‑checkers verify every quoted statement from a child, and we never publish names, images, or school information that could put a minor at risk. We also avoid language that sensationalises or stereotypes young people. Andrew Leblanc, Standards & Fact‑Checking Lead, reviews any piece that includes a named minor under the age of 16, and he has the authority to require changes or block publication. The Fact‑Checking Policy describes how these checks are documented.
What procedures must journalists follow?
Every story that involves a child triggers an additional review step. The writer flags the minor’s presence in the draft, the section editor (for example, Hannah Walsh for politics or Kevin Sullivan for culture) conducts a first review, and then the draft is sent to Andrew Leblanc for final clearance. If the piece uses photographs, the photo editor confirms that permission was given in writing and that the image does not reveal location information that could endanger the child.
No story about a minor is published without at least two editors having seen the full version. In breaking‑news situations, the Managing Editor, Marc Tremblay, may approve an urgent piece after consulting Andrew Leblanc by phone, but a formal review follows within 24 hours. Journalists also consult Canada Scope’s Editorial Policy for guidance on interviewing techniques, and they are expected to avoid leading questions or re‑enactments that might distress a child.
How this works in practice
Consider a story about a new youth‑led climate initiative. The reporter drafts the article, naming a 14‑year‑old spokesperson after obtaining parental consent. The Politics Editor, Hannah Walsh, reviews the piece and flags it to Andrew Leblanc because the child is under 16. Andrew checks that the consent form is on file, removes the child’s home neighbourhood mention, and ensures the photo caption does not include the minor’s school. He then approves publication. If the consent form were missing, he would request it and delay the story until received.
This process is documented internally. If a reader later raises a concern about the article, the complaint is directed to complaints@canadascope.org and handled according to our Complaints Procedure. The same sequence applies to sponsored or affiliate content that features minors – commercial relationships never override these safeguards.
Who oversees this policy and how to contact us
Canada Scope is owned and operated by Northern Beacon Media Inc., an Ontario corporation (Ontario Business Registry company number 1003194827, registered office at Unit 12, 95 King Street East, Toronto, ON M5C 1G4). Ultimate editorial responsibility rests with Catherine Roy, Editor‑in‑Chief. Day‑to‑day implementation of this policy is led by Andrew Leblanc, whose role is described on the Our Team page. Any questions, concerns, or incidents should be sent to complaints@canadascope.org – we take every message seriously and will respond within two business days. You can also call Andrew directly at +1 416 555 0225.
In short
Canada Scope is committed to covering children responsibly, with extra layers of review and clear consent rules. Every piece involving a minor is checked by Andrew Leblanc, and any reader can raise a concern at complaints@canadascope.org. This policy reflects our broader promise: trustworthy journalism that never puts vulnerable people at risk.