Instagram launches new moderator option for livestreams

  • Instagram is adding a new livestream option to allow users to assign other users as moderators.
  • The moderators will be able to report comments, remove viewers and turn off comments from specific viewers.
  • This feature aims to give creators more control and attempts to address concerns of inappropriate behaviours during livestreams.
  • You can read the full story on Social Media Today’s website.

Backlog of child sexual abuse cases rises by 70% during pandemic

  • A Freedom of Information request by the NSPCC shows that the number of outstanding child sexual abuse (CSA) cases increased by 70% last year.
  • New figures also showed that prosecutions and convictions for CSA have halved the last 4 years.
  • The NSPCC is urging the government to provide funding to tackle the backlog of CSA cases and for guidance on pre-trial therapy for witnesses and victims to be published.
  • You can read the full story on the NSPCC website.

School apologises after sexual harassment claims

  • The headmaster of a top private school has issued a “sincere and unreserved” apology following allegations of racism and harmful sexual behaviour.
  • The apology follows the publication of two independent reviews commissioned following the Everyone’s Invited and Black Lives Matter campaigns.
  • The reviews investigated harmful behaviours including sexual and sexist bullying, issues with consent and sexist and misogynistic attitudes.
  • You can read the full story on the BBC website.

PSNI identifies 37 children at risk to sexual exploitation

  • The PSNI has identified 37 children that are at risk but fear it’s the tip of the iceberg because the crime goes unreported.
  • Children as young as 11 and 12 are being sexually exploited in pubs, clubs, and hotels across Northern Ireland.
  • The PSNI wants to introduce prevention measures and raise awareness for staff in hospitality to know what signs to look for.
  • You can read the full story on the ITV website.

Children with mental health problems were at ‘serious risk’ in care home

  • Children with mental health problems in Northern Ireland were found to be at “serious risk” while living in a care home run by Praxis Care.
  • The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) inspectors found “significant shortcomings” in staff training and record keeping.
  • These shortcomings placed “both children and staff at risk” which led to the home being de-registered.
  • You can read the full story on the BBC website.