Editorial Policy

Student Living Editorial Policy – Updated June 2025

Introduction

Student Living is published by MeD8 Media (Pty) Ltd (Reg. No. 2018/219149/07). The platform enables final-year journalism students to hone their reporting skills under the mentorship of seasoned professionals. Content—across both print and online editions—is developed with editorial guidance, rigorously reviewed for accuracy, and aligned with the Press Code of South Africa via our membership in the Press Council of South Africa.

1. Editorial Oversight

Every article is reviewed and approved by the publisher before publication.
Final-year students receive hands-on mentorship from a team of over five professional journalists and editors.
Errors are corrected promptly and transparently.

2. Impartiality

Student Living maintains a neutral stance on political and religious matters.
We do not endorse or promote any political or religious views, focusing instead on balanced, unbiased reporting.

3. Mission and Ethics

Our mission is to develop journalism students’ skills through ethical, accurate, and integrity-driven reporting.
We uphold the Press Code to ensure fairness and balance in every article.

4. Data Availability & Transparency

For research-based content, authors must include a Data Availability Statement, specifying whether data is publicly accessible, available upon request, or not accessible.
This promotes reproducibility and aligns with global transparency standards.

5. Sex & Gender Reporting (SAGER Guidelines)

We encourage use of the SAGER (Sex and Gender Equity in Research) guidelines in relevant reporting.
Writers should:
- Distinguish between sex (biological) and gender (social/cultural).
- Clearly state which sex or gender is referred to, especially in titles and summaries.
- Disaggregate and discuss sex/gender differences where applicable.

6. Ethical Use of AI Tools

Aligned with emerging industry ethics (e.g., COPE guidelines)South African Journal of Science Student Living South Africa, Student Living’s AI policy is:

Permitted Use (no disclosure required):

Spelling and grammar checks, similarity detection, and reference management.

Use requiring disclosure:

Editing non-data images, translation, or refining writing (e.g., summarizing or improving readability).

Disclosures must include:

Tool name, version, developer/manufacturer.
Date accessed.
Prompts used.
All AI-assisted output must be reviewed by a human editor before publication.

Strictly prohibited:

Generating original news content from AI—reporting and story origination must remain student-driven.
Uploading unpublished manuscript content to AI tools, to maintain confidentiality.

7. Corrections, Complaints & Accountability

We welcome reader feedback and urges for corrections via editor@studentlivingsa.co.za.
Persistent issues may be escalated to the Press Ombud, in line with Press Council procedures.
Corrections are issued transparently, visible wherever the original content appeared.

8. Rights & Dignity

We safeguard privacy and dignity, particularly for minors and vulnerable individuals unless public interest overrides.
We avoid language or content that could incite hatred, discrimination, or violence.

9. Editorial Independence

Editorial decisions are made by the Editor-in-Chief based solely on journalistic values.
Advertising or sponsorship content is clearly distinguished from editorial material.
Contributors are expected to declare any conflicts of interest.

10. Reader-Friendly Policy Summary (for publication)

What We Stand For:

Integrity & Learning – A platform for budding journalists mentored by professionals.
Fairness & Balance – Neutral on politics and religion, committed to accuracy.
Transparency – Clear data sourcing, respectful handling of sex/gender reporting.
Smart Tech Use – AI helps with grammar or clarity—not content creation.
Your Voice Matters – Corrections welcomed, published quickly and clearly.
Protection & Respect – Privacy and dignity are paramount.