UrbanMixr.uk recognises that covering minors — whether young performers, school groups, youth events or children of public figures — carries a heightened responsibility. Our editorial team is committed to reporting on young people’s activities in a manner that respects their dignity, privacy and long-term wellbeing. This policy sets out the safeguards we apply whenever content involves or references individuals under the age of 18.
Our guiding principles
We treat all minors with the same editorial integrity we apply to adult subjects, but with additional layers of scrutiny. Sensationalism, intrusive detail or imagery that could stigmatise or embarrass a minor is never acceptable. Our coverage of youth culture – from school theatre productions to under-18 music showcases – focuses on the creative achievement, community value or cultural significance of the event, not on the private lives of the participants.
Consent and permission
- Wherever possible, we obtain verifiable consent from a parent, guardian or responsible adult before naming or quoting a minor in any editorial content. For school or youth-group events, we seek approval from the organiser or relevant institution.
- Photographs or video of children are used only with explicit permission from a supervising adult and in contexts that do not identify individuals unnecessarily. Where a group shot is used, we avoid naming every child unless prior clearance has been given.
- For stories that require interviewing a minor, a parent or guardian must be present or have provided written consent. The child’s comfort and willingness to participate are paramount; they may withdraw at any time.
Safeguarding in sensitive contexts
When covering celebrity families or the children of public figures, we do not publish identifying information – such as school names, daily routines or unauthorised images – that could compromise safety. Our editorial team follows the guidance set out in the Editorial Policy and escalates any proposed story about a minor to the Standards & Fact-Checking Lead for additional review before publication. That review considers potential harm, privacy rights and the public interest test.
Avoiding sensationalism
We never frame a minor’s appearance, behaviour or family circumstances in a trivialising or mocking manner. Headlines and social-media promotions that could be perceived as exploiting a child are prohibited. Any content that mentions a minor in connection with a crime, accident or sensitive social issue is handled with extreme caution and only published after sign-off by the Editor-in-Chief or the Standards Lead.
Privacy protections
Minors enjoy stronger privacy safeguards under UK data protection law and our own Privacy Policy. We minimise the collection of personal data relating to children, retain it only as long as necessary for the specific story, and never share it with third parties without explicit consent. Readers who believe their child’s privacy has been compromised can contact our complaints team at complaints@urbanmixr.uk; we commit to a prompt, transparent investigation via our Complaints Procedure.
Review and accountability
All editorial content involving minors is subject to an additional layer of review by the Standards & Fact-Checking Lead, Eleni Georgiou. The Our Team page lists the relevant editors who can be approached with concerns. We also encourage contributors and tipsters to flag any story that may inadvertently put a young person at risk. Our Editorial Policy and Fact-Checking Policy provide further detail on the checks we apply before any piece is published.
This policy is reviewed annually and updated to reflect changes in best practice, legislation and reader feedback. UrbanMixr.uk is determined to cover the vibrant culture of UK cities without compromising the safety or dignity of the minors who help shape it.