TikTok adds new screen time controls to remind users to take breaks

  • TikTok is rolling out more screen time controls for users to manage how much time they spend on the app.
  • The update will introduce two new controls for monitoring and managing screen time usage and a digital wellbeing guide will be added into the app’s Safety Centre.
  • The new controls allow users to schedule regular screen time breaks (10, 20, 30 minutes or a custom limit) to control how long they spend on the app in a single sitting.
  • You can read the full story on Tech Crunch’s website.

Gambling losses in online gaming skewed in deprived areas

  • Losses across all types of online gaming have been found to be strongly skewed towards the most deprived areas.
  • 20% of the poorest regions are found to supply 25% of industry revenue.
  • Numbers are expected to be much higher, since data only covers 37.5% of the British online gaming market.
  • Virtual slots are an area of specific concern, with 50,000 individuals found to have played for the equivalent of eight full days in a year, losing £5000 on average.
  • You can read the full story on the Guardian’s website.

Pleas for withdrawal of proposed EU Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) Regulation

  • Over 70 civil society organisations and professional bodies have penned an open letter urging the European Commission to withdraw the proposed Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) Regulation.
  • Under the proposal, services such as social media or messaging platforms will be liable for obligations to scan, filter and/or block content – including encrypted messages.
  • The letter warns that this is likely to do far more harm than good and undermines how the internet works, making it less safe for everyone.
  • The organisations urge that the fight against child sexual abuse and exploitation should support measures that are targeted, effective, and proportionate.
  • You can read the full story on Statewatch’s website.

Students turn to social media over lack of climate change education

  • Research from Public First has found more than 50% of parents of school-aged children said climate change was the most important issue to children.
  • They also found 84% of parents believe their children should be taught about climate change.
  • Teachers highlighted in their responses that early exposure to climate change education in school was important, otherwise students may turn to online sources and be misinformed.
  • You can read the full story on the Independent’s website.