Helpline warns of sickening trend of children filming attacks on other children
- The National Bullying Helpline has told of an “escalating problem of children filming violence against children then uploading to social media”.
- An attack in Rochdale happened before Easter, where one 13-year-old girl was recorded while being dragged to the ground and kicked in the head.
- The video was then uploaded to social media platforms where it appeared roughly two dozen other children were gathered around the attack.
- Many of the children seemed to know that the attack was planned, with the victim also finding out through social media.
- Christine Pratt, founder of the National Bullying Helpline says they hear of situations like these most week with mostly parents calling to report that they are struggling to persuade the school to take it seriously.
- The attack is now being investigated by the police.
- For more please visit the Sky News website.
New research finds specialists believe social media harms children’s mental health
- Beauty brand Dove has conducted new research for its ‘Dove Self-Esteem Project’.
- It found that eight in 10 youth mental health specialists say social media is fuelling a mental health crisis.
- They found that 50% of children say the ‘toxic beauty culture’ on social media makes them and their friends feel anxious.
- Suzanne Alderson, founder of Parenting Mental Health charity advises parents to “have those open conversations and if you think your child is at risk, report it.”
- For more please visit the Independent’s website.
Dota 2 streamer gets banned from Twitch
- Popular Dota 2 streamer Mason Venne was recently banned on the streaming platform,
- The exact reason as to why he was banned is unknown, but fans have speculated it was due to his behaviour on his last stream.
- It is not Mason’s first ban on the platform, cumulating in 6 bans for the streamer.
- Speculation on subreddit forums speculated that the ban may have been due to his discussion of topics that could be considered racist, sexist or offensive.
- For more please visit the AFK Gaming website.
Integrated education expansion plan branded ‘action plan with no action’
- The Department of Education’s (DoE) strategy to increase integrated education has been branded “an action plan with no action”.
- Stormont voted in favour of the DoE having a new legal requirement to give more support to integrated education.
- The law has been criticised by some school bodies and by the four main churches over concerns it could “elevate integrated schools” over other types of schools.
- The strategy does not set targets for the growth of pupil or school numbers or how much money will be allocated.
- A budget allocation has been identified to support the initial implementation, but a more detailed strategy is required.
- A spokesperson for the DoE stated they are committed to meeting their duties regarding the Integration Education Act.
- For more on this story, please visit the BBC News website.
