Reader condemns Messenger over photo of youth – Jeffery Bleyl

I am writing to express profound concern and outrage at your recent decision to publish the full name and photograph of a 12-year-old missing child on the front page of your newspaper as the lead story, prominently displayed as the top story image. Even more alarming is that while the minor’s face was printed in full color for the entire community to see, no photograph of the alleged perpetrator—or any adult connected to the case—was provided.
This editorial choice is not only deeply unethical; it is potentially negligent and harmful. When a minor may be the victim of sexual exploitation, grooming, or abduction—common circumstances in cases involving a missing 12-year-old—both federal and Utah standards strongly discourage, and in many cases prohibit, the public disclosure of the child’s identity.
The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics states clearly: “Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and victims of sex crimes. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy.” No such justification exists here, and certainly not for using a potentially traumatized child as a front-page headline graphic, especially without equivalently identifying the adult(s) involved. This child has already endured exposure to danger. By broadcasting her identity on your front page, you have now exposed her to long-term emotional harm, stigmatization, potential bullying, and re-victimization within her school and community.
If this case is later confirmed to involve sexual misconduct or endangerment—as law enforcement frequently finds in situations of minors missing with adults—your newspaper may have violated not only ethical standards but also the protections outlined under state child privacy norms and the federal Child Victims’ and Child Witnesses’ Rights Act. Further, featuring the minor’s image rather than the suspected offender creates a disturbing and irresponsible visual narrative—one where the child becomes the face of the crime rather than the perpetrator.
Your publication owes this child and this community a public apology, an immediate review and retraction of identifying content, and a clear explanation of how your editorial process allowed such a reckless decision to reach the front page. Going forward, your newsroom should revisit its policies for reporting on minors, especially those potentially involved in cases of abuse, trafficking, or exploitation. This type of journalism doesn’t protect the community—it endangers the most vulnerable among us.

Jeffrey B. Bleyl
Spring City