Metaverse app allows kids into virtual strip clubs

  • The NSPCC has warned that some apps in the virtual reality metaverse “are dangerous by design”.
  • This comes in response to a BBC investigation where a researcher posing as a 13-year-old girl witnessed grooming, sexual material, racism, and rape threats.
  • The app used has a minimum age rating of 13 but children mix freely with adults and imposes no age-verification methods.
  • You can read the full story on the BBC’s website.

Meta launches Facebook Reels to all users

  • Meta is making Facebook Reels available to 150 more regions – which will be displayed at the top of a user’s feed.
  • Facebook Reels was already available to some users previously.
  • Reels on Facebook will come with tools to make creation easier such as the Remix functionality.
  • You can read the full story on Social Media Today’s website.

Reddit adds new visual editing tools

  • Reddit is adding new tools to boost usage on the platform, including new video tools and filters for images.
  • The tools will let users customise their image or video uploads before posting.
  • For more information on staying safe on Reddit, check out our safety card.
  • You can read the full story on Social Media Today’s website.

Thousands yet to apply for post-primary school places

  • The Department of Education is short of around 24,000 applications for post-primary school places.
  • The Education Authority has written to primary schools to ask for their help in reaching out to parents who have not yet applied.
  • Failing to apply means a child is highly unlikely to be able to access an oversubscribed school and may have a limited choice of schools available.
  • You can read the full story on ITV’s website.

New service for young victims of sexual abuse and their families

  • A new therapeutic support and recovery service for children, adolescents and their families affected by sexual abuse is based in Portadown.
  • Star NI offers assessment and interventions for children and young people who have disclosed sexual abuse or when there are concerns about a child or young person’s engagement in problematic or harmful sexual behaviour.
  • This follows recent figures that child sexual abuse offences involving an online element are at “an all-time high” in NI.
  • You can read the full story on Belfast Live’s website.