Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.31337/oz.81.2.3
Media Reporting on the Mental Health of Children and Youth in Croatia: Analysis and Ethical Challenges
Lucija Vidak
; Fakultet hrvatskih studija Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Krešimir Dabo
orcid.org/0000-0001-9260-7384
; Fakultet hrvatskih studija Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This paper analyzes how Croatian online news portals reported on the mental health
of children and adolescents in 2023. The study addresses the growing prevalence of
mental health difficulties among youth and the media’s dual role in informing the
public and shaping stigma. Using qualitative content analysis of 97 articles published
on 13 widely read portals, the research examined headline and article tone, presence
of sensationalism and clickbait, authorship, sources, and publication triggers.
Results show that more than half of the headlines were sensationalistic and often
used clickbait, while article content was predominantly neutral. Experts, especially
psychologists and psychiatrists, were the most frequently cited sources, indicating reliance
on professional information. Thematically, reporting centered on expert advice,
suicide and self–harm, and the impact of digital technologies. Most articles were
event–driven rather than proactive or tied to awareness days. Findings highlight both
positive practices, such as the inclusion of expert perspectives, and challenges, such
as sensationalistic framing and reactive reporting. The study concludes that stronger
journalist education and adherence to ethical standards are needed to ensure responsible
coverage that informs the public, reduces stigma, and promotes mental health
among young people.
Keywords
mental health; children and adolescents; media; media coverage; ethical journalism
Hrčak ID:
345893
URI
Publication date:
7.4.2026.
Visits: 639 *