1. Policy Statement

Kabes Media is committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and rights of all children involved in or affected by our work. We uphold the principle that every child has the right to protection from all forms of harm, exploitation, abuse, and neglect.

This policy applies to any situation in which Kabes Media staff or collaborators may interact with, represent, film, photograph, or document children in the course of project work.

2. Definition

In accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Indian law, a “child” is any person under the age of 18 years.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all Kabes Media staff (full-time, part-time, contractual), freelancers, production crew, collaborators, interns, volunteers, subcontracted vendors during fieldwork, and partner organisations working under Kabes Media’s creative direction.

4. Principles of Engagement

Informed Consent. No child may be filmed, photographed, or interviewed without prior written consent from a parent, legal guardian, or institutional head. Consent forms must clearly state the intended use, format, and potential public distribution of the content.

Dignity and Respect. Children must be portrayed in ways that are respectful, empowering, and culturally appropriate. No child should be depicted in a humiliating, degrading, or unnecessarily vulnerable context.

Risk Avoidance. No identifying information including full names, exact locations, or school names should be published without specific approval. Filming must not disrupt a child’s education, healthcare, or emotional wellbeing.

Data Security. All footage, audio recordings, and metadata involving children must be securely stored. Access is restricted to relevant Kabes Media team members on a need-to-know basis.

5. Responsibilities

Kabes Media designates a Child Safeguarding Officer to oversee policy enforcement, staff training, and incident response. All team members must read and acknowledge this policy before participating in any child-facing project, and must report any observed or suspected misconduct to the Safeguarding Officer immediately. Partner organisations must be informed of and agree to uphold this policy.

6. Reporting

To report a concern or suspected breach, write to childsafety@kabesmedia.com. Reports may be made anonymously. All complaints are investigated promptly and confidentially.

Where a report concerns a potential criminal offence or risk of serious harm, Kabes Media will escalate the matter to the appropriate legal or child welfare authorities without delay.

7. Training

All staff working on child-related projects undergo an orientation on this policy prior to commencing work. Refresher training is provided annually and before any major campaign involving children.

8. Review

This policy is reviewed every 12 months and updated as required.

Policy Owner: Director, Kabes Media
Contact: childsafety@kabesmedia.com