Instagram introduces age verification for UK users

  • Instagram is introducing Yoti technology to help verify the age of users in the UK.
  • Anyone who tries to edit their date of birth on Instagram from under 18 to over 18 will be asked to verify their age.
  • They will be required to upload their ID or record a video selfie.
  • Instagram said the system would help ensure users are having an age-appropriate experience on the platform.
  • Check out our guide on Yoti and Age Verification.
  • To read more, go to the Independent’s website.

Samaritans report reveals dangers of social media’s self-harm content

  • New research by the charity and Swansea University found that 83% of social media users were recommended ‘self-harm’ content on their personalised feeds.
  • 5,300 people were surveyed and 5000 of those had experiences with self-harm and/or suicide.
  • When asked about changes they would like to see, 88% said they would like more control over content they see on social media.
  • 83% said that content-specific trigger warnings saying ‘self-harm’ or ‘suicide’ rather than ‘sensitive content warnings’ would be more positive.
  • To read more, go to the Samaritans website.

TikTok provides infographic of its safety and privacy tools for parents

  • TikTok has published a new overview of its various safety and privacy
  • This will provide parents with more insight into how to keep their young people safe in the app including their family pairing tool.
  • To view the infographic, go to the Social Media Today’s website.

Most primary schools ‘not providing enough PE’

  • According to the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI), almost three quarters of primary schools in Northern Ireland are not providing the recommended amount of physical education (PE) classes.
  • Current guidance from the Department of Education, states pupils should have at least two hours of PE each week.
  • The ETI report found that 74% of primary schools are unable to do this.
  • The report also highlighted many children had significantly reduced physical activity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • For more information, go to the BBC’s website.