Rise in reports of children abusing other children  

  • The number of calls to the NSPCC helpline about harmful sexual behaviour between young people has increased by 29% over the last year. 
  • The NSPCC received 2365 calls and staff made nearly 600 referrals to external agencies including the police and social services.   
  • The charity has said that relationship and sex education curriculum in schools needs to be properly resourced.
  • You can read the full story on the BBC’s website.  

Universal credit deductions of up to 25% pushing people into poverty 

  • A report from the Lloyds Bank Foundation has found individuals and families have had their universal credit payments cut up to 25%.
  • The report has said that the system allowing these deductions was driving people further into debt and impacting the most vulnerable.  
  • Almost half of those receiving universal credit have had money automatically deducted.
  • These deductions are made for a range of reasons including recovery of advance payments.
  • You can read the full story on the Guardian’s website.

Childhood trauma experienced by four in 10 young people in NI  

  • Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University have released a study which found almost four in ten young people have experienced some form of childhood trauma. 
  • It suggested boys were more likely to report being threatened, hurt, witness or experience violence. 
  • It suggested that girls were more likely to report being sexually harassed online compared to boys. 
  • You can read the full story on the BBC’s website.