TikTok ‘failing to meet its own standards’ on vaccine misinformation

  • TikTok announced last year that it would be attaching trustworthy information to vaccine related videos to prevent COVID-19 misinformation.
  • A new report from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) found that almost 60% of videos were potentially exposing users to harmful misinformation.
  • ISD researchers found that some features like the duet feature and the lack of text-based references in the video format, allows misinformation to spread ‘freely.’
  • Read our blog on The Spread of Misinformation, here.
  • Full story, here.

Secondary school pupils in England advised to wear masks

  • Due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 Omicron variant, the education secretary has stated that he wants to make education settings “as safe as possible”.
  • He strongly advised that masks be worn in communal areas.
  • An announcement is yet to be made for Northern Ireland schools, but COVID-19 vaccine certification will be required in certain venues across NI from today.
  • The Department of Education said this guidance is temporary but would be reviewed in three weeks.
  • This follows a government’s announcement that face masks are to become mandatory in England, in shops and on public transport, from the 30th of November.
  • Full story, here.

NI teachers taught to spot children’s fears

  • A new training programme, developed by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland, has been designed to help raise awareness of the effect of trauma on children.
  • This training, provided through the Education Authority, will give 60,000 education staff the opportunity to improve their knowledge and understanding of trauma.
  • The principal of Fane Street Primary School, Hilary Cunningham, has welcomed the training, stating that there was a “dire need” for it.
  • The Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen, Education Minister, claims the training will help children reach their full potential as adverse childhood experiences can impact engagement with education.
  • Full story, here.