Children at greater risk of domestic abuse during World Cup

  • The NSPCC have said that children in violent homes face a greater risk of violence due to an increase in stress levels, alcohol consumption and gambling. 
  • The charity revealed that it has received more than 1000 calls from vulnerable children, which is an increase of a third from the previous year. 
  • This comes as research earlier this year showed a direct correlation between high-profile sports events and reported cases of domestic abuse.  
  • The NSPCC is calling for a new Victims Bill with specific support for child victims of domestic violence, including pre-trial therapy. 
  • For more on this story please visit Sky News website. 

Google Play streamlines policies around kid’s apps as regulations tighten

  • Google Play has announced a series of changes to its programs and policies designed for children. 
  • The company is describing the update as an expansion of its previously launched “Teacher Approved” programme.  
  • The newly revamped policies will now impact how apps qualify for this program, which allows apps to gain entry to the Play Store’s “Kids” tab. 
  • These changes should help streamline some of the policies around apps made for children which will increase the number of apps that become eligible to be reviewed by the Teacher Approved programme.  
  • For more on this story, please visit the Tech Crunch website.

New report looks at how young people use social apps

  • Pew Research have released a study which looks at how young people are using social media platforms to connect. 
  • Young people see social platforms as having a largely positive impact on their lives and relationships, despite some negative elements. 
  • 67% of teen social media users say that the platforms ‘make them feel as if they have people who can support them through tough times’. 
  • 71% said it makes them feel like they have a place where they can show their creative side. 
  • For more on this story, please visit the Social Media Today’s website.  

Riot and Ubisoft Working on Research Project to Create More Positive Gaming Communities

  • Riot and Ubisoft are teaming up on a tech partnership to develop a database that will improve AI moderation tools for detecting and solving disruptive in-game behaviour.  
  • Riot and Ubisoft are seeking to create gaming structures that provide more rewarding social experiences and avoid harmful interactions.  
  • The “Zero Harm in Comms” research project is the first step in cross-industry projects that looks to benefit all people who play video games. 
  • For more on this story, please visit the Riot Games website.