TikTok’s testing a new option to invite connections in other apps

  • TikTok is testing a new feature where users can invite connections in other apps to view content and follow their profile.
  • The option is currently available to some users.
  • Content can be shared in various third-party apps.
  • Users are re-directed to the video and automatically follow the account that posted the content.
  • A date for the wider release of this feature hasn’t been announced yet.
  • Full story, here.

UK data watchdog seeks talks with Meta over child protection concerns

  • The UK’s data watchdog is seeking clarification from Meta about parental controls on its virtual reality (VR) headset.
  • Campaigners have warned that the VR headset may breach an online children’s safety code.
  • The Information’s Commissioner’s Office said it was planning “further discussions” with Facebook and Instagram.
  • The headset’s lack of parental controls means parents are unable to block content.
  • This could expose young users to the threat of abuse and harmful content on the platform.
  • Full story, here.

 

Calls to male sexual abuse helpline double in 2021

  • More than 7,000 calls, texts and emails were received by Safeline’s male helpline in 2021.
  • This is more than double the calls made in 2020.
  • It’s estimated that as many as one in 6 men have been sexually abused or assaulted but very few ask for help.
  • The Charity’s Chief Executive Neil Henderson said that they are “seeing a lot more younger people seeking support now”.
  • Organisations are aware of more reports related to dating apps and websites.
  • The organisations encourage changes to the sex education curriculum.
  • This should cover consent, remove shame from sex and disclosing abuse to help men and boys to overcome stigma.
  • Full story, here.

Autistic boy ‘suffered physically’ waiting on school support

  • A mother has taken the Education Authority (EA) to an independent appeals panel to get her autistic son support.
  • Her son was diagnosed with autism at age four and has been in mainstream school since nursery.
  • His family had argued that he needed support of a dedicated classroom assistant and their request for a SEN assessment was declined.
  • They lodged three appeals against EA after this, before going to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (Sendist).
  • The tribunal found that the support offered by the EA was inadequate.
  • They have outlined that the boy needs a one-on-one classroom assistant trained to help with his eating and toileting.
  • Full story, here.