To the editor:
I am a years-long subscriber to The Daily Item and rely on the paper to keep me informed about issues in and around Lynn. Two recent stories – Jan. 24 “Lynn Teenager Indicted in Firearms Case” and Jan. 28 “Lynn Woman Detained by ICE” – have me concerned.
In each instance, the subject of the story was an 18-year-old person. Having reached the age of majority, it is accurate to describe an 18-year-old as an adult, using the terms “man” or “woman.” An 18-year-old is also a developing adolescent, often still in high school, so it is similarly accurate to use the terms “teenager” or “youth”.
Whether intentional or inadvertent, these editorial decisions (e.g., describing an 18-year-old as a “woman”/”man” versus as a “teenager”) serve to amplify or diminish the effect, and therefore the impact, of these headlines.
At a time of deep social division and eroding confidence in media, taking available steps to preserve and enhance public trust is essential to the vital role of The Daily Item’s reporting.
I kindly ask that The Daily Item publish its editorial standards related to describing 18-year-old subjects and that it adhere to these standards with consistency moving forward.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Keenan
Lynn
