An eight page booklet was launched today detailing the new guidelines, produced by a group representing journalists and child care professionals.
Chris Lyttle MLA said: “These guidelines will ensure the right balance is achieved between what is reported, how it is reported and the public’s right to access that information.
“The first of their kind in the UK, these new guidelines will ensure all interested parties know where they stand and how certain issues will be presented by the media to the press.
“The media has the job of holding those in positions of power to account and play a vital role in getting valuable information into the public domain.
“However we must ensure this information is presented in a careful and sensitive way; otherwise media coverage can do more harm than good.
“I welcome these new guidelines and praise all groups involved in working together to ensure the correct advice is in place for Northern Ireland.”