Media representations and journalistic practices in framing early childhood mental health in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study examined the representation of early childhood mental health in Bangladeshi media and the journalistic methods that influenced these depictions. The mental health of early childhood, the emotional and social well-being of children aged 2 to 8 is essential for lifelong development (Shonkoff et al., 2012). A qualitative design analyzed thirty-six articles in Bangla and English published between April and October 2025, alongside seven in-depth interviews with journalists, parents, and mental health specialists. Qualitative content analysis framework facilitated categorization, interpretation, and triangulation. Media coverage was found to be primarily episodic and sensationalized, focusing on negative aspects such as abuse and trauma while neglecting preventive and developmental viewpoints. Ethical breaches included the identification of young victims, the use of distressing imagery, and the omission of expert opinions. Journalists reported facing editorial pressure, a lack of trauma-informed training, and institutional constraints as hindrances to ethical reporting. Similarly, parents and professionals expressed concerns regarding coverage, describing it as stigmatizing, inadequate, and misleading. Ultimately, the study highlights a notable gap in Bangladeshi media's approach to young children's mental health, which often dismisses rights-based and developmental insights. It suggests enhancing ethical and trauma-informed journalism and developmentally appropriate coverage of ECMH.