Pupils who regard teachers as discriminatory ‘likely to be behind peers’
- A study led by Queen’s University Belfast has found that school pupils who regard their teachers as discriminatory are likely to be behind in reading and maths.
- This study is regarded as the first large-scale, multi country research of its kind.
- One of the conclusions drawn are that when 15-year-old pupils think there is discrimination within their school, their scores are lower on standardised tests.
- Researchers found that 25% of pupils thought their teachers were discriminatory some of the time or more of the time.
- Findings highlight that when adolescents perceived a discriminatory school climate, they reported lower school belonging and attached less value to learning and effort.
- To view the full story, go to the Independent’s website.
Paramilitaries ‘coerced young people with drug debts to riot for £80’
- Paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland have been coercing young people with drug debts to take part in rioting.
- A community worker gave the example of a young person’s debt being reduced by £80 if they rioted.
- The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee heard that paramilitary groups sell drugs to young people who do not have the means to pay for them, and then exploit them through debt.
- These tactics are inducing fear in young people who feel like they must comply under these pressures.
- For more on this story, please visit the Independent’s website.
‘Irresponsible’ Beano is a menace to children’s health
- An investigation by The British Medical Journal found the Beano, viewed by tens of millions of children, pushed positive content about brands including McDonald’s and Nando’s whilst portraying vegetables as “vile”.
- Campaigners have criticised the Beano’s willingness to showcase junk food as “cool”.
- A professor from the University of Auckland called on the company to change its policy, adding that “Corporations which are clever enough to capture and hold children’s attention need to have very high ethical standards”.
- To read the full story, visit the Telegraph’s website.
