Rising tide of poverty ‘undermining children’s life chances’

  • In a survey of 1,300 health visitors by the Institute for Health Visiting (IHV), health visitors have raised concerns that health and wellbeing threats faced by UK children will not be addressed.
  • Only 7% of health visitors in the UK felt confident all families could access the support they need if an issue was raised.
  • 86% said there was not enough capacity in other services to pick up referrals for support or treatment.
  • The IHV also warned there is a “tsunami of unmet need” which is “undermining” the life chances for many children.
  • They also highlighted the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, with increasing numbers relying on foodbanks to feed their children.
  • 60% of health visitors said they had seen increases in child safeguarding issues over the last 12 months.
  • For more, please visit the Independent’s website.

12-year-old dies after dangerous challenge popular on TikTok

  • A 12-year-old girl in Argentina has reportedly died after attempting the “blackout challenge” also known as the “choking challenge”.
  • The viral challenge dares users to choke themselves until they pass out.
  • The child had reportedly “successfully” attempted the challenge twice before but is believed to have died on her third attempt.
  • The child’s aunt had said the child had received a WhatsApp message from someone along with a link to the challenge, following bullying in school.
  • Police are investigating the incident.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that in 2008, more than 82 young people had died between the mid 1990s and mid 2000s as a result of participation in “choking games”.
  • For further advice, check out our resource on Responding to Online Challenges, Trends and Hoaxes.
  • To read the full story, go to the Independent’s website.

Householders warned to be vigilant over energy support voucher scams

  • Those expecting their £600 energy support scheme vouchers have been urged by the police to be vigilant to potential scams.
  • The rollout of this scheme began in Northern Ireland (NI) on Monday 16th January with many receiving money directly into their bank accounts or through vouchers via mail.
  • Chief Superintendent Gerard Pollack has stated that the rollout of the scheme in Great Britain was targeted by scams and he expects similar attempts in NI.
  • He has said that any email, text message or phone call about the £600 payment will be a scam.
  • For further information and advice check out our article on the Energy Bills Scam.
  • • To read the full story, go to the Belfast Telegraph’s website.