TikTok faces investigation into impact on young people’s mental health

  • TikTok is being investigated by a coalition of US state attorneys for its potential effect on young people’s mental and physical health.
  • The investigation is focussing on “methods and techniques” that TikTok uses to boost engagement and increased duration spent on the app from young people.
  • It’s likely that this investigation could impact other platforms like Instagram and YouTube who have implemented features like TikTok.
  • You can read the full story on gov.uk website.

Independent review into police management of registered sex offenders

  • An independent review is underway into police management of registered sex offenders as set out in the Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy (2021).
  • Home Secretary Priti Patel has appointed Former Chief Constable of Derbyshire Constabulary, Mick Creedon to conduct the review..
  • The review will consider police resourcing, consistency of offender management, training and management tools and orders.
  • You can read the full story on The Belfast Telegraph’s website.

Teachers want more help to support transgender students

  • A survey conducted by charity, Just Like Us, showed that eight in ten teachers want more help to support transgender students.
  • Research shows that LGBTQ+ young people are twice as likely to experience depression, anxiety, and panic attacks.
  • 23% of primary school teachers and 87% of secondary teachers have at least one pupil who has come out as transgender.
  • You can read the full story on ITV News website.

Concern as 200 young offenders referred for mental health care

  • More than 200 young offenders in Northern Ireland have been referred to mental health services in the last three years.
  • Rachel Woods MLA reports that “figures are deeply concerning but not surprising”.
  • Northern Ireland has one of the lowest ages of criminal responsibility, “it’s not right that children as young as 10 can be held fully responsible for their actions”.
  • You can read the full story on Belfast Telegraph’s website.