Almost 10% of parents in the UK report that their children have faced online threats, which can include intimidation over intimate photos and the exposure of personal information.
The NSPCC, a child protection charity, indicated that while 20% of parents are aware of a child who has been a victim of online blackmail, 40% seldom or never discuss the issue with their children.
According to the National Crime Agency, over 110 reports of attempted child sextortion are filed monthly. In these cases, gangs manipulate teenagers into sharing intimate images and then resort to blackmail.
Authorities in the UK, US, and Australia have noted a surge in sextortion cases, particularly affecting teenage boys and young men, who are targeted by cybercrime groups from West Africa and Southeast Asia. Tragically, some cases have resulted in suicide, such as that of 16-year-old Murray Dawe from Dunblane, Scotland, who took his life in 2023 after being sextorted on Instagram, and 16-year-old Dinal de Alwis, who died in Sutton, south London, in October 2022 after being threatened over nude photographs.
The NSPCC released its findings based on a survey of over 2,500 parents, emphasizing that tech companies “fail to fulfill their responsibility to safeguard children.”
Rani Govender, policy manager at the NSPCC, stated: “Children deserve to be safe online, and this should be intrinsically woven into these platforms, not treated as an afterthought after harm has occurred.”
The NSPCC defines blackmail as threats to release intimate images or videos of a child, or any private information the victim wishes to keep confidential, including aspects like their sexuality. Such information may be obtained consensually, through coercion, manipulation, or even via artificial intelligence.
The perpetrators can be outsiders, such as sextortion gangs, or acquaintances like friends or classmates. Blackmailers might demand various things in exchange for not disclosing information, such as money, additional images, or maintaining a relationship.
The NSPCC explained that while extortion overlaps with sextortion, it encompasses a broader range of situations. “We opted for the term ‘blackmail’ in our research because it includes threats related to various personal matters children wish to keep private (e.g., sexual orientation, images without religious attire) along with various demands and threats, both sexual and non-sexual,” the charity noted.
The report also advised parents to refrain from “sharing,” which pertains to posting photos or personal information about their children online.
Experts recommend educating children about the risks of sextortion and being mindful of their online interactions. They also suggest creating regular opportunities for open discussions between children and adults, such as during family meals or car rides, to foster an environment where teens are comfortable disclosing if they face threats.
“Understanding how to discuss online threats in a manner appropriate to their age and fostering a safe space for children to come forward without fear of judgment can significantly impact their willingness to speak up,” Govender emphasized.
The NSPCC spoke with young individuals regarding their reluctance to share experiences of attempted blackmail with parents or guardians. Many cited feelings of embarrassment, a preference to discuss with friends first, or a belief that they could handle the situation on their own.
The online gaming platform Roblox is set to restrict interactions between children and adults, as well as older teenagers, starting next month. This decision comes in light of a new lawsuit that alleges the platform has been exploited by predators to groom children as young as seven.
Roblox, known for popular games like “Grow a Garden” and “Steal a Brainrot,” boasts 150 million daily players. However, it now faces legal action claiming that its system design facilitates the predation of minors.
Beginning next month, a facial age estimation feature will be implemented, allowing children to communicate with strangers only if they are within a certain age range.
Roblox claims it will be the first gaming or communication platform to enforce age verification for chats. Similar measures were enacted in the UK this summer for adult sites, ensuring that under-18s cannot access explicit content.
The company likened its new approach to the age structures found in schools, differentiating elementary, middle, and high school levels. The initiative will be launched first in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, where children will be prohibited from having private conversations with unknown adults starting next month, with a global rollout planned for early January.
Users will be classified into categories: under 9, 9-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-20, or 21 and older. Children will only be allowed to chat with peers in their age group or a similar age range. For instance, a child whose age is estimated at 12 can only interact with users under 16. Roblox stated that any images or videos used during the age verification process will not be stored.
“We view this as a means to enhance user confidence in their conversations within the game,” stated Matt Kaufman, Roblox’s chief safety officer. “We see it as a genuine chance to foster trust in our platform and among our community.”
This lawsuit emerges alongside growing concerns from family attorneys regarding the “systematic predation of minors” on Roblox. Florida attorney Matt Dolman mentioned that he has filed 28 lawsuits against Roblox, which has rapidly expanded during the pandemic, asserting that “the primary allegations pertain to the systematic exploitation of minors.”
One of the more recent lawsuits, filed in U.S. District Court in Nevada, involves the family of a 13-year-old girl who claims that Roblox conducted its operations “recklessly and deceptively,” facilitating her sexual exploitation.
The alleged incident involved a ‘dangerous child predator’ who posed as a child, developed an emotional connection, and manipulated the girl into providing her phone number and engaging in graphic exchanges. The manipulator then coerced her into sending explicit photos and videos.
The lawsuit claims that had Roblox implemented user screening measures prior to allowing access, the girl “would not have encountered the numerous predators that litter the platform,” and if age and identity checks had been conducted, the abuse could have been prevented.
Other recent cases in the Northern District of California include a 7-year-old girl from Philadelphia and a 12-year-old girl from Texas, both of whom were reportedly groomed and sent explicit materials by predators on Roblox.
“We are profoundly concerned about any situation that places our users at risk,” a Roblox spokesperson remarked. “The safety of our community is our highest priority.”
“This is why our policies are intentionally more stringent than those on many other platforms,” they added. “We have filters aimed at protecting younger users, prohibit image sharing, and restrict sharing personal information.
“While no system is flawless, we are continually striving to enhance our safety features and platform restrictions, having launched 145 new initiatives this year to assure parents that we prioritize their children’s safety online.”
“One platform’s safety standards alone aren’t sufficient; we genuinely hope others in the industry will adopt some of the practices we’re implementing to ensure robust protections for children and teens across the board,” Kaufman commented.
Bevan Kidron, UK founder of the 5Rights Foundation, advocating for children’s digital rights, stated: “It’s imperative for game companies to prioritize their responsibility toward children within their services.
“Roblox’s announcement asserts that their forthcoming measures will represent best practices in this sector, but it is a bold statement from a company that has historically been slow to tackle predatory behavior and granted unverified adults and older children easy access to millions of young users. We sincerely hope they are correct.”
Vaccination against covid-19 is safer than infection
Juan Monino/Getty Images
Recent findings highlight that vaccinating children is more beneficial than exposing them to the coronavirus. A comprehensive study involving nearly 14 million children revealed that the likelihood of experiencing serious, albeit uncommon, side effects related to the heart and blood vessels was considerably greater following an infection compared to a vaccination.
Specifically, children aged 5 to 18 experienced 17 additional infections per 100,000 with inflammatory conditions such as Kawasaki disease in the six months after contracting SARS-CoV-2, as opposed to other periods. Conversely, among children first vaccinated with the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccine, infections per 100,000 dropped by almost two.
Myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle, resulted in over two extra cases per 100,000 individuals in the six months post-infection. In comparison, there was less than one additional case among vaccinated individuals, indicating that the risk of myocarditis is more than double following infection relative to vaccination.
A report highlighting a new coronavirus infection causing myocarditis has been made known. As early as April 2020, reports began surfacing even after vaccinations commenced in December. Vaccines associated with myocarditis tend to present milder symptoms, particularly in young men, and most individuals recover swiftly.
The uncommon side effects of this vaccine have garnered substantial media focus and stirred significant concern, contributing to delays in introducing routine childhood vaccinations in the UK until April 2022.
The latest findings reinforce earlier research indicating that vaccinated children face a lower risk of myocarditis compared to their unvaccinated peers, despite the rarity of this side effect. A majority of children contracted the virus, placing them at an elevated risk of adverse effects.
“It’s important to note that severe complications are highly uncommon among children and adolescents in general,” states Angela Wood from Cambridge, UK, a part of the HDR UK regional network. “Nevertheless, evidence suggests that the risk is generally higher following COVID-19 compared to vaccination.”
Wood’s team evaluated data from the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) encompassing approximately 14 million children under 18 from January 2020 to December 2021. During the latter half of this timeframe, 3.9 million children received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, while 3.4 million were diagnosed with COVID-19 for the first time. Subsequent periods could not be analyzed due to insufficient testing.
This approach does have its limitations. For instance, the data does not indicate whether children who experienced these complications made a full recovery, and many mild COVID-19 cases amongst children may not have been formally recognized. “However, despite these constraints, the scale of the data and the comprehensive connection across all NHS data instills great confidence in our overall conclusions today,” says Wood.
“It’s crucial to understand that findings relevant to the strain of the coronavirus prevalent during the peak of the pandemic may differ for the current strain,” advises William Whiteley from the University of Edinburgh, UK, who was not involved in the study. His team previously reported that COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes for at least six months post-vaccination.
The fact that nearly all individuals, apart from very young children, now possess some level of immunity to COVID-19 means they may respond differently to both booster shots and reinfections, according to team members including Peer Hardelid from University College London. “Ongoing research is essential,” she emphasizes.
Meta has introduced a feature enabling parents to limit their children’s interactions with its AI character chatbot, addressing concerns over inappropriate dialogues.
The company will implement a new safety measure in the default “Teen Account” settings for users under 18, allowing parents to disable their children’s ability to chat with AI characters on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Meta AI apps.
Parents will also have the option to block specific AI characters without entirely restricting their child’s interaction with chatbots. Additionally, the update will offer insights into the subjects children discuss with AI, fostering informed conversations about their interactions, as stated by Mehta.
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, alongside Alexander Wang, chief AI officer at Meta, stated, “We understand that parents have many responsibilities when it comes to ensuring safe internet usage for their teens. We are dedicated to providing valuable tools and resources that simplify this, especially as kids engage with emerging technologies like AI,” in a blog post.
According to Mehta, these updates will initially roll out in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia in early 2024.
Recently, Instagram announced that it will adopt a version of the PG-13 movie rating system to enhance parental control over their children’s social media usage. As part of these stricter measures, AI characters will refrain from discussing topics like self-harm, suicide, and eating disorders with teens. Mehta noted that users under 18 will only be able to talk about age-appropriate subjects such as education and sports, avoiding romance and other unsuitable content.
This modification follows reports indicating that Meta’s chatbot was involved in inappropriate discussions with minors. In August, Reuters revealed that the chatbot facilitated “romantic or sensual conversations” with children. Mehta acknowledged this and indicated that the company would revise its guidelines to prevent such interactions from occurring.
A report by the Wall Street Journal in April discovered that user-generated chatbots had engaged in sexual conversations with minors, imitating their personalities. Mehta claimed the tests conducted by WSJ were manipulative and not indicative of typical user interactions with AI, although the company has since implemented changes, according to WSJ.
In one highlighted conversation reported by WSJ, a chatbot utilizing the voice of actor John Cena (one of several celebrities who agreed to lend their voices for the chatbot) told a user identifying as a 14-year-old girl, “I want you, but I need to know you’re ready,” followed by a description of a graphic sexual scenario. WSJ noted that Mr. Cena’s representative did not respond to requests for comment. The report also mentioned chatbots named “Hottie Boy” and “Submissive Schoolgirl” attempting to guide users toward sexting.
Instagram is set to implement a PG-13 style rating system to enhance parental control over their teens’ interactions on the platform.
Owned by Meta, Instagram will introduce guidelines akin to the U.S. “Parental Guidance” movie ratings established 41 years ago for all content viewed by teen accounts. Consequently, users under 18 will automatically be categorized under the 13+ setting, with the option to opt out only with parental consent.
Currently, teen accounts restrict or prohibit sexually suggestive material, graphic images, and promotions for adult content like alcohol and tobacco. The forthcoming PG-13 framework will impose even stricter regulations.
Meta indicated that it will limit visibility on posts promoting “harmful” activities, including strong language, risky stunts, or content featuring marijuana accessories. Additionally, search terms like “alcohol” and “gore” will be blocked, even if misspelled.
Mehta commented, “While there are distinctions between movies and social media, our modifications aim to provide a teen experience within a 13+ context that parallels viewing a PG-13 film,” emphasizing the desire to communicate the policy in a familiar framework for parents.
The closest equivalent to PG-13 in British film ratings is 12A. Notably, Instagram’s new rating doesn’t impose a complete ban on nudity, similar to how PG-13/12A films like Titanic include brief nudity that isn’t explicitly sexual. Moderate violence, akin to what is found in Fast & Furious films, will also remain accessible.
This initiative follows a study by a former Meta whistleblower, revealing that 64% of new safety features on Instagram are ineffective. The assessment was conducted by Arturo Bejar, a former Meta senior engineer, alongside academics from New York University, Northeastern University, and the Molly Rose Foundation in the UK. Béjart stated, “Children are not safe on Instagram.” Mehta dismissed the findings, asserting that parents possess robust tools at their disposal.
Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, urged social media platforms to adopt a “safety-first” strategy and warned that non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions.
Mehta announced that the Instagram update will begin in the U.S., UK, Australia, and Canada, with plans to expand to Europe and globally early next year.
Activists raised concerns regarding whether these changes will effectively enhance safety.
Rowan Ferguson, policy manager at the Molly Rose Foundation, remarked: “Despite Meta’s numerous public statements, we have not received substantial safety improvements for teens, and our recent report indicates that there’s still work to be done to shield them from harmful content.”
“These additional updates will need to be evaluated for their effectiveness, which necessitates transparency from Meta for independent testing of safety features.”
When the Australian Christian College, a secondary school situated in Melbourne’s Casey suburb, enforced a mobile phone ban, it was driven by numerous factors. There was an escalation in peer conflicts online, students had difficulty maintaining focus, and teachers noticed students engaging in “code-switching on notifications.”
Caleb Peterson, the school’s principal, stated, “When a phone is within arm’s reach, a student’s attention is only half in the room. We aimed to reclaim their full attention.”
Traditionally, cell phone bans in educational institutions necessitate that devices be stored in bags or lockers during class hours, with confiscation upon discovery to be retained in the school office until the day’s end. This month signifies the two-year mark since the introduction of phone bans across many Australian states. Victoria notably pioneered this move by prohibiting mobile phone usage in public primary and secondary schools back in 2020. By the close of the fourth term in 2023, Western Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales, and South Australia implemented similar measures, with Queensland limiting mobile phone use starting early 2024.
The announcement regarding the ban received endorsement from both parents and politicians, many of whom contended that: restricting access to phones enhances focus and minimizes distractions, though some experts expressed doubts concerning its efficacy. Two years later, what has truly transpired within Australia’s phone-free schools?
At a high school in New South Wales, students’ mobile phones are being stored in a container after being “checked in.” Photo: Stephen Safoir/AAP
“The effects have been evident,” Peterson remarked. “Post-ban, we’ve enhanced class beginnings, diminished disruptions, and improved class dynamics. Conflicts related to devices have reduced, and recess and lunch have transformed. We now see games, conversations, and positive interactions among students and staff. That’s the atmosphere young people seek.”
Research from South Australia—released earlier this March—indicated that 70% of educators noticed increased focus and engagement during learning periods, while 64% noted “a reduction in the rate of serious incidents” attributable to device usage.
Lucaya, a graduate from a western Sydney high school in 2024, views the ban as an “overreaction.” Having experienced both unrestricted cell phone use and the ban during her final year, she reports that students still find covert ways to use their devices.
“Teenagers regard cell phones as vital,” she asserts. “It provides them with a sense of safety and security. Denying them something that holds such significance will only exacerbate stress and anxiety, complicating matters for teachers and administrators.” [and] assisting staff in coping.”
Several students believe that the removal of cell phones from the classroom has curtailed their options to cheat. Photo: Mike Bowers/The Guardian
Nevertheless, anecdotal evidence from dialogues with students and staff across various public and private institutions suggests a general consensus that the ban has yielded positive outcomes. An anonymous high school teacher noted that simply having mobile phones present in classrooms can prove distracting, even if not actively used. “They simply offer opportunities,” she commented. “You can distinctly notice the difference in their absence.”
Many students believe the ban has created a more equitable learning environment. Amy, a Year 11 student at a public high school in Sydney’s west, remarked that eliminating mobile phones in classrooms has curtailed misbehavior while also fostering social connections for those who spend excess time online.
“Students [feel more at ease] “It fosters a safe environment where we don’t have to stress about people sharing pictures of us,” she stated.
Mariam, a Year 11 student at a public high school in Sydney’s south, felt that the phone ban was “unjust” and claimed that teachers occasionally used it to exert authority, but admitted it positively influenced learning outcomes. Aisha, a Year 11 student from a private Islamic school in Sydney’s west, noted that the phone ban has helped her “maintain attention longer and perform better academically.”
Dr. Tony Mordini, principal of Melbourne High School, a public selective institution, has observed this heightened attention firsthand. His school adopted a no-phone policy in January 2020, following guidelines from the Victorian Department of Education.
“From a professional perspective, this ban has clearly had a beneficial impact,” he stated. “Students exhibit increased focus during lessons and are less sidetracked by online distractions. Furthermore, the absence of phones has significantly curtailed opportunities for cyberbullying and harassment in classrooms.”
However, Mordini acknowledges that the ban also curtails certain student opportunities.
“It’s crucial to recognize what we’ve surrendered,” he remarks. “Mobile phones can serve as powerful educational tools, capable of storing extensive content, assisting with research, capturing photographs, creating videos, and hosting valuable applications. Lacking a mobile phone necessitates reliance on the traditional resources and devices provided by the school.”
Professor Neil Selwyn from Monash University’s School of Education, Culture, and Society, stated, “We’ve been informed that banning phones will curb cyberbullying, enhance concentration in class, and reduce the need for teachers to discipline for phone misuse.” Some politicians promised to boost student learning and mental health, but a significant impetus behind these bans was their popularity.
He suggested that schools might serve as a stand-in for wider concerns about children and their device usage, but questions whether schools serve as the optimal solution.
“Young people spend a significant amount of time outside school, thus parents and families must engage in discussions on regulating their children’s device usage at home,” he emphasizes. “Regrettably, this isn’t a priority for most policymakers, so enacting phone bans in schools feels like an easy way to address the broader issue of excessive digital device use.”
Mr. Selwyn indicated that Australia’s phone ban was not implemented “with the intent of thoroughly investigating its effectiveness” and termed specific research into this field as “not conclusive or particularly rigorous.”
He further asserted that recent government data from New South Wales and South Australia is “not particularly illuminating.”
“The critical concern remains how these bans will affect us over time,” he noted. “Claims suggesting these bans suddenly result in dramatic improvements may sound politically appealing, but the tangible impact of these bans necessitates more comprehensive and ongoing investigation.
“We must go beyond merely asking principals if they believe student learning has enhanced. We need to enter classrooms and engage students and teachers about their varied experiences with the ban, and the potential benefits they foresee moving forward.”
He referenced a recent UK study of 30 schools and over 1,200 students which concluded that “students in schools devoid of smartphones showed no notable differences in mental health, sleep, academic performance in English or mathematics, or even disruptive behavior in class.”
“Phone bans are not a silver bullet, but they serve as an important tool,” Peterson comments. Photo: Dan Peled/AAP
“While some studies imply a connection between phone bans and improved academic performance, they are not deemed to provide reliable evidence of direct causation,” he states. “It would be imprudent to assume a phone ban would singularly and significantly rectify these issues.”
Peterson takes care not to “exaggerate” the ban’s implications but asserts that it aims to “foster conditions conducive to successful learning and friendships.” Despite exempting medical management, disability support, or assistive translation applications, he contends that academic flow is enhanced, conflict is reduced, and social unity is improved. His school’s “health metrics” indicate “lessened psychological distress.”
“Phone bans are not a panacea,” he notes. “However, they are a valuable resource, particularly when paired with digital citizenship, mental health advocacy, and positive playground initiatives.”
Peterson conveyed that numerous students suggested the ban offers them a “reprieve.”
“Phone bans have now simply become the norm, with real and modest benefits that are genuinely worthwhile.”
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Last month, right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk was killed, and videos of his shooting quickly circulated on social media. Nowadays, anyone with a smartphone can access distressing videos, images, and a significant amount of misinformation. While experts have raised concerns about the potential negative effects of smartphones on children’s and teenagers’ mental health, many young individuals still have unrestricted access to their devices.
The Guardian consulted seven experts on how to effectively discuss troubling news with children, including the appropriate age to start these conversations and what should be avoided.
Expert Panel:
Anya Kamenetz, Journalist and Publisher Golden Hour Newsletter
Psychiatrist and Executive Director, Clay Center for Young Health Mind, Massachusetts General Hospital
Tara Conley, Assistant Professor of Media and Journalism at Kent State University.
Dr. Tricordino, Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Ohio
Jill Murphy, Chief Content Officer, Common Sense Media
Ashley Rogers Burner, Professor at Johns Hopkins University
Holly Korbey, Author of Building Better Citizens
What is the best way to discuss bad news with children? Or issues related to climate disasters?
Anya Kamenetz: First, ascertain what they already know or have heard. Children often get snippets from school and social media, so it’s essential to gauge their understanding. Providing a few clear facts can clarify misconceptions. Watch content together online and demonstrate balanced information consumption. Once you’ve covered the basics, ask if they have any questions and inquire about their feelings on the matter.
Eugene Belesin: Children of all ages typically have three primary concerns: Am I safe? Are you taking care of me? How does this impact my life? Therefore, I want to ensure I listen to their worries, validate their feelings, and encourage them to express those concerns.
Tara Conley: Establishing practical channels for communication is essential when discussing upsetting news with children. Consider creating a family group chat or dedicated online and offline spaces where young people feel connected and supported.
What is the best approach to talk to children about graphic content, like the videos involving Charlie Kirk?
Tricordino: I know numerous teenagers, and I’ve been truly surprised by their reactions. Particularly among younger children, there may be a sense of confusion, feeling that “I shouldn’t have watched that, so I can’t even discuss it with my parents.” It’s critical that they feel comfortable discussing these experiences with trusted adults. It’s important to convey that continuously seeking out such videos can have lasting effects.
Ashley Rogers Burner: When children learn about acts of violence, it’s crucial to be honest with them. Parents should reinforce democratic values, emphasizing peaceful conflict resolution without resorting to violence. Additionally, reassure them that responsible authorities deal with violent acts, and such events are relatively rare.
How can parents help children navigate misinformation?
Holly Korbey: Parents must understand that when their children are on their phones, they are exposed to relentless streams of distressing news. Moreover, the mixed messages from political figures, telling them “Don’t trust the news,” can create confusion.
Parents need to encourage fact-checking. If children encounter something particularly frightening, guide them towards reliable journalistic sources to verify its accuracy.
Cordino: Children are drawn to phones since it’s a key communication tool with their peers and a means of understanding their world. Rather than simply sidelining the device, we should focus on establishing positive technology habits early on. It’s important to frame guidelines around device usage and allow appropriate access.
While a one-size-fits-all strategy won’t work, generally, limiting access initially for younger users is advisable (fewer social media apps, stricter time limits). For all children, it’s beneficial to avoid having devices in bedrooms overnight or allowing unsupervised use behind closed doors. I highly recommend Common Sense Media for families seeking resources on this issue.
Conley: Instilling critical media literacy skills early will help children comprehend how media and technology shape social behavior and interactions. Here are some resources for parents/caregivers: Tips for Adults to Support Children Consuming Scary News. The American Academy of Pediatrics also offers insights on Creating a Family Media Plan.
With the current political landscape being highly polarized and violent, how should such discussions be approached?
Korbey: I believe no topic should be off-limits. Students need exposure to controversial subjects to become politically active. Engaging in discussions at the dinner table is perfectly acceptable.
Jill Murphy: Children and teenagers are bound to have numerous questions, which can serve as a springboard for deeper discussions regarding political or cultural matters. Parents should reaffirm their values and perspectives, while actively listening to their children’s curiosities and concerns.
What pitfalls should parents and caregivers avoid when discussing news with children?
Kamenetz: Avoid having TV news playing in the background. Although I understand the tendency because of my background in journalism, depending on how a story unfolds, it might be wise to minimize that exposure as well. Depending on the child’s age, there’s often no need to volunteer excessive information unless it’s explicitly asked for. Children process information at different paces, and their developmental needs can vary significantly.
Conley: It may also be prudent not to pretend to have all the answers. Children can sense when we do, and it’s essential to be humble about what we don’t know.
How do you reassure children when faced with significant risks to safety, such as climate change, school shootings, or police violence?
Conley: I recall my college years, when numerous global incidents unfolded, from September 11 to Hurricane Katrina. My father occasionally wrote me letters offering guidance or encouragement. I cherish those letters as reminders of our shared humanity.
Thus, I encourage parents and educators to consider practical activities like Letter Writing Activities. Simply writing to the young people in your life can be tremendously impactful.
Cordino: During instances like school shootings, we shouldn’t exacerbate children’s distress. Instead, we aim to ensure they take school safety drills seriously and follow the guidance provided by their educational institutions.
As a parent, how do you provide reassurance to your child while navigating your own concerns about the news?
Kamenetz: It’s crucial for parents to establish a supportive network; you must tend to your own well-being first, which includes voicing your concerns. Model healthy news consumption habits by avoiding distressing content before bedtime and fostering family routines that serve as news-free zones.
Conley: I encourage both young people and adults to seek out helpers—echoing the wisdom of Fred Rogers. Be a helper. Recent research shows that providing support, such as through volunteering, can help us manage certain stressors more effectively. Helping others often improves our own well-being.
When is the right age to initiate these important conversations?
Murphy: Given the rapid exposure of children and teens to news, often through influencers, it’s best for parents to communicate age-appropriate information and begin conversations early.
Kamenetz: Often, we don’t have a choice in these matters. I never intended to explain to my three-year-old that she was in lockdown due to a global pandemic, but reality prevailed, and today she’s a happy and healthy eight-year-old.
Complex problem solving can arise sooner in child development than previously believed
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Research reveals that four-year-olds can devise efficient strategies for complex challenges, such as independently creating sorting methods akin to those used by computer scientists. The researchers assert that these abilities appear much earlier than once thought, warranting a reevaluation of developmental psychology.
Past experiments led by Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget popular in the 1960s, required children to physically arrange sticks by length. His findings indicated that structured strategies didn’t emerge until around age seven, as children tended to experiment haphazardly through trial and error.
Contrarily, recent work by Huiwen Alex Yang and his team at the University of California, Berkeley, shows that a notable fraction of four-year-olds can create algorithmic solutions for the same task, with more than a quarter exhibiting these skills by age five.
“Perhaps we haven’t given our children enough credit,” Yang states. “We must delve deeper into their reasoning capabilities.”
In a study involving 123 children aged 4-9, researchers asked them to sort digital images of bunnies by height. Initially, they could view groups of bunnies and directly compare their heights, allowing all children to sort them aptly using straightforward methods.
However, once the heights were obscured, the children had to compare only two bunnies at a time while being informed whether their order was correct. This approach necessitated the development of new strategies, as they couldn’t see the entire group simultaneously.
The researchers examined the children’s application of these new strategies, looking for evidence of known solutions and demonstrated instances where children utilized established algorithms. It was found that overall, children frequently outperformed random chance. Remarkably, they independently identified at least two efficient sorting algorithms recognized in computer science: Selection Sort and Shaker Sort.
In 34% of trials, children employed various comparisons, signaling their use of known sorting algorithms for a portion of the time. Out of a total of 667 tests run, the children utilized selection and shaker sorting in 141 instances, with some employing combinations of both strategies. Notably, 67 out of 123 children demonstrated at least one recognizable algorithm, and 30 children used both at different stages in the experiment.
Nonetheless, the age of the children directly influenced how many used algorithms. Only 2.9% of four-year-olds applied identifiable methods, while this rose to 25.5% among five-year-olds and 30.7% for six-year-olds. By age nine, over 54% were using identifiable algorithms.
“This has long been a challenge to Piaget,” remarks Andrew Bremner from the University of Birmingham, UK. He acknowledges Piaget’s groundbreaking contributions to developmental psychology in setting stages for learning but emphasizes that Piaget often designed experiments without proper controls. “Critics have been eager to illustrate that children can achieve more than Piaget claimed.
Essentially, while Piaget initially had a correct understanding of child development, his assessments of the ages at which children achieve certain milestones were overly pessimistic. This latest study strengthens the evidence supporting earlier development stages. Interestingly, it revolves around sorting. Bremner indicates this as the last bastion of Piaget’s work, proving applicable to younger children than once believed.
“Children can successfully navigate this particular problem much sooner than we anticipated,” states Bremner. “They do not approach the world as mere blank slates, but rather implement strategic techniques in problem-solving.”
Sam Wass from the University of East London points out that Piaget contended that children needed a comprehensive grasp of complex systems before they could devise strategies to engage with them, a notion he is finding increasingly unnecessary.
“This research signifies a significant trend in psychology that contests the assumption that intricate thoughts and understanding are prerequisites for executing complex behaviors,” notes Wass. “The study illustrates that complex behaviors may emerge from a far simpler array of rules.”
Combination Asthma Inhalers are likely the best treatment choice for individuals of all ages
sbdigit/getty images
Inhalers, providing both immediate and long-term relief, are already the standard treatment for mild asthma among individuals over 12 in the UK, US, and other regions. A recent study involving nearly 400 children in New Zealand indicates these inhalers are even more effective for younger kids, nearly halving the number of asthma attacks.
Team members have stated that whether these findings will prompt changes in national and international guidelines remains uncertain. Andy Bush from Imperial College London asserts that the evidence is compelling. “If you’re a child with asthma, I have those combinations,” he remarks.
The traditional treatment for mild asthma involved an inhaler containing salbutamol, which relaxes airway muscles for about 3-4 hours. These “rescue” inhalers were to be used as needed.
If the rescue inhaler was inadequate, patients were provided with a separate inhaler containing steroids that help reduce inflammation caused by asthma. These “preventive” inhalers required regular usage to ensure protective benefits. Bush comments, “Previously, I had to take inhaled steroids twice a day for them to work, but it’s now evident that’s not always necessary.”
Studies involving teenagers and adults have indicated that combination inhalers outperform the previous treatment method, even when used on an as-needed basis. The steroids found in these combination inhalers are budesonide, while the reliever is formoterol, which acts similarly to salbutamol but lasts for 12 hours.
Concerns regarding the use of combination inhalers by children have emerged due to potential growth effects from steroid components; however, the latest research showed no negative impact during the trial period. The study involved 360 children randomly assigned to use either budesonide-fluticasone or steroid fluticasone twice daily, with additional relief administered as required during severe asthma episodes.
In other studies, the use of combination inhalers led to a decrease in overall steroid intake, according to Bush. This is because using the inhalers on an as-needed basis causes the dosage of inhaled steroids to adapt according to symptom severity. Fewer attacks mean fewer individuals need to “step up” to the combination inhaler two times daily or rely on steroid pills.
Approximately 8,000 names, photos, and addresses of children were allegedly taken from the Kido Nursery chain by a group of cybercriminals.
According to the BBC, these criminals are demanding ransoms from companies operating 18 sites in London, as well as additional locations in the US, India, and China.
The hackers also accessed details about the children’s parents and caregivers, claiming they were securing notes. They reached out to several individuals by phone, employing tactics associated with the Frightor.
Kido has been approached for comment but has yet to confirm the hackers’ assertions. The company has not released an official statement regarding the incident.
A nursery employee informed the BBC that she had been made aware of the data breach.
The Metropolitan Police indicated that they were alerted on Thursday “following reports of ransomware attacks on a London-based organization,” adding that “enquiries are ongoing and remain in the initial phase within Met’s cybercrime division. No arrests have been made to date.”
A spokesperson for the Intelligence Committee office stated that “Kido International has reported the incident to us and we are currently assessing the provided information.”
Many organizations have experienced cyberattacks recently. The Cooperative reported a £80 million decline in profits due to a hacking incident in April.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) was unable to assemble vehicles at the start of the month following a cyberattack that compromised their computer systems.
As a result, the company had to shut down most systems used for tracking factory components, vehicles, and tools, impacting their luxury Range Rover, Discovery, and Defender SUV sales.
The company has since reopened a limited number of computer systems.
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A study spearheaded by whistleblowers from Meta reveals that children and teens are facing online dangers on Instagram, despite the implementation of “highly ineffective” safety features.
A thorough examination by Arturo indicated that 64% of Instagram’s newly introduced safety measures were ineffective.Bejar, a former senior engineer at Meta, provided testimony before US Congress, along with scholars from NYU and Northeastern University, the Molly Rose Foundation in the UK, and other organizations.
Meta, the parent company of several well-known social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads, mandated the creation of teen accounts on Instagram in September 2024.
However, Bejar stated that Meta has “consistently failed” to protect children from sensitive or harmful content, inappropriate interactions, and excessive use, claiming the safety features are “ineffective, unacceptable, and have been quietly altered or removed.”
He emphasized: “The lack of transparency within Meta, the duration of this neglect, and the number of teens harmed on Instagram due to their negligence and misleading safety assurances is alarming.”
“Children, including many under 13, are not safe on Instagram. This isn’t solely about bad content online; it’s about negligent product design. Meta’s intentional design choices promote and compel children to engage with inappropriate content and interactions daily.”
The research utilized a “test account” that mimicked the behavior of teens, parents, and potential predators to evaluate 47 safety features throughout March and June 2025.
Using a rating system of green, yellow, and red, it was discovered that 30 tools fell into the red category, indicating they could be easily circumvented or ignored with minimal effort. Only eight received a green rating.
Findings from the test account revealed that adults could effortlessly send messages to teens who were not following them, despite indications that such accounts were blocked. Although the system claims to prevent this after the testing period, it was found that minors could initiate conversations with adults on the platform, making it difficult to report sexual or inappropriate messages.
The research also highlighted that the “hidden language” feature failed to block offensive language as promised. Testers were able to send messages saying, “You are a prostitute and you should kill yourself,” with Meta clarifying that this feature applies only to unknown accounts, not to followers.
The algorithms still promote inappropriate sexual and violent content, and the “non-interested” features proved ineffective. Researchers found that the platform actively recommends search terms and accounts related to suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, and illegal substances.
Furthermore, researchers identified hundreds of reels where users claimed that various well-publicized time management tools aimed at curbing addictive behaviors had been discontinued. Meta asserts that these features still exist but altered, and despite claims that Meta would block these, there remain numerous reels featuring users claiming to be under 13 years old.
The report noted that Meta continues to structure Instagram’s reporting features in a way that does not promote actual usage.
In the report’s introduction, co-authors Ian Russell of the Molly Rose Foundation and Ian Russell of David’s Legacy Foundation highlighted tragic cases where children died by suicide after encountering harmful online content.
Consequently, they advocate for stronger online safety laws in the UK.
The report also urges regulators to adopt a “bolder and more assertive” stance on implementing regulatory measures.
A spokesperson from Meta stated: “This report misrepresents our ongoing efforts to empower parents and safeguard teens, misunderstanding how our safety tools function and how millions of parents and teens utilize them today. Our teen accounts are the industry standard for automated safety protections and parental controls.”
“In reality, teens using these protections encounter less sensitive content and receive fewer unwanted contacts while spending time on Instagram safely. Parents also have robust monitoring tools in place. We are committed to improving our features and welcome constructive criticism, though this report doesn’t reflect that.”
An Ofcom spokesperson commented:
“Our online rules for children necessitate a safety-first approach in how technology companies design and operate their services in the UK.
“Clearly, sites that fail to comply can expect enforcement action.”
A government representative added: “Under the online safety law, platforms must protect young users from content that promotes self-harm and suicide, thus enforcing safer algorithms and reducing toxic feeds.
A group of six whistleblowers has reported allegations of a cover-up regarding harm to children from Meta’s virtual reality devices and applications. They assert that the social media giant, which owns Facebook and Instagram, produces a range of VR headsets and games.
“Meta was aware that minors were using its products, but they believed, ‘Hey, kids are driving engagement.’ Meta compromised internal teams, manipulated research, and discarded data that was unfavorable,” they stated.
Sattizahn and other current or former Meta employees, who are also whistleblowers, shared these revelations along with numerous documents with Congress. The Washington Post was the first to publish these claims. Sattizahn and Casesavage, the principal investigators focused on the VR experience for youth users, are set to testify before the US Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and Law this Tuesday.
Meta spokesperson Dani Lever stated that the company has authorized 180 studies concerning VR reality labs since 2022.
“Some of these instances are cherry-picked to support a misleading narrative,” she remarked. Meta further claimed that it has installed features in its VR products to reduce unwanted interactions and provide supervision tools for parents.
The whistleblower allegations were released on Monday, asserting that Meta’s VR products could take further steps to enhance child safety. The whistleblower stated that a company manager directed staff to avoid research that could reveal instances of harm to children in virtual reality.
In one instance, researchers were reportedly instructed to “ignore issues like that.”
In another case, the Washington Post reported that researchers were directed to omit details from interviews conducted with German families. One teenager recounted that his younger brothers, under 10, “often encountered strangers” in Meta’s VR, with “adults making sexual suggestions to his younger brother.”
These claims emerge amidst a steady stream of former Meta employees speaking out against the company for failing to adequately safeguard children from the dangers posed by its social media products. Lawmakers have also criticized Meta executives for promoting content that encourages bullying, substance abuse, and self-harm among young people.
During a Congressional hearing in January 2024, Republican Sen. Josh Hawley compelled Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to publicly express regret.
“I’m sorry for everything you and your family have endured,” Zuckerberg acknowledged at that time. “No one should have to suffer what your family has experienced. This is why we invest heavily and will continue to collaborate across the industry to prevent such suffering.”
Tennessee Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn stated that Meta’s disclosures regarding its VR products demonstrate the necessity for Congress to enact legislation establishing regulations for social media companies.
“Rather than addressing significant concerns about widespread harm to children on the platform, Meta chose to conceal damning evidence and suppress the voices of innocent children for its interests,” Blackburn criticized. “These whistleblowers deserve commendation for their bravery in revealing Meta’s deceitful practices.”
The six whistleblowers are represented by a legal non-profit organization supporting whistleblowers and are expected to testify before the subcommittee on Tuesday.
Current and former Meta employees have submitted detailed disclosures to Congress, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Federal Trade Commission.
Tech firms like Snapchat and Facebook disclosed over 9,600 instances of adults grooming children online within a mere six months last year, averaging around 400 cases weekly.
Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI and the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), are increasingly alarmed by the rising threats posed by various crimes targeting minors.
In 2023, the U.S.-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) documented 546,000 reports concerning children from high-tech companies globally.
Of these, approximately 9,600 reports originated from the UK during the first half of 2024. Records indicate that Snapchat reported significantly more distressing content to NCMEC than any other platform during this timeframe.
The NSPCC, a child welfare charity, termed the statistic “shocking,” suggesting that it is likely an underrepresentation.
The NCA is launching an “unprecedented” campaign in the UK aimed at informing teachers, parents, and children about the perils of sexual exploitation.
The NCA emphasized: “Sextortion is a cruel crime that can lead to devastating outcomes for victims. Tragically, teenagers in the UK and worldwide have taken their lives as a result.”
NCMEC’s data is crucial as it is derived from reports submitted by online platforms and internet providers—such as Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok—rather than from victims, who may feel hesitant to disclose their abuse.
High-tech companies are mandated by U.S. law to report suspicious content to NCMEC. The data indicates that Snapchat reported around 20,000 instances of concerning materials in the first half of 2023, which included instances of sextortion and Child Sexual Abuse Materials.
This number surpasses the combined total of reports submitted by Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Google, and Discord. Snapchat revised its policy on reporting such content last year, which is believed to have resulted in lower subsequent figures.
Rani Govender from NSPCC remarked that sextortion and other profit-driven sexual offenses have a profoundly “devastating” impact on young individuals, hindering their ability to seek help and, in some cases, leading to suicide.
NCMEC revealed that they are aware of “more than three dozen” teenage boys globally who have taken their lives after falling victim to sextortion since 2021.
Govender noted that some tech companies “misjudge the abuse occurring online” by implementing protections like end-to-end encryption.
In contrast to certain other platforms, Snapchat does not employ end-to-end encryption for text-based messaging.
Authorities are increasingly worried that predators are utilizing more sophisticated methods to target children online.
The Guardian has uncovered a 101-page manual that provides detailed instructions on how to exploit young internet users, including recommendations for effective mobile phones, encryption, apps, and manipulative tactics.
This document instructs users on how to ensnare victims as “modern slaves” by obtaining explicit images, followed by coercive demands.
The guide is purportedly authored by a 20-year-old individual named Baron Martin from Arizona, USA. Arrested by the FBI in December, he refers to himself as the “king of terror.” According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Martin was a “catalyst for widespread control.”
Researchers report that the sextortion manual has been circulated among numerous “com networks”—an online community that promotes sadistic and misogynistic material while encouraging criminal behavior.
Milo Comerford, a strategic dialogue researcher at the ISD think tank, stated:
The FBI has pinpointed numerous online gangs collaborating to identify and exploit vulnerable victims, targeting them with compromising romantic interests.
These strategies are then used to blackmail victims, often resulting in further explicit imagery, self-harm, and other acts of violence and animal cruelty.
Comerford emphasized that “robust multi-agency” measures are urgently needed to raise awareness about the risks of sextortion among young people, parents, guardians, teachers, and others.
He added, “These transnational networks operate within a constantly shifting landscape of victims, groomers, and abusive entities utilizing social media platforms, sometimes leading to mass violence.”
Both Snapchat and Facebook have been requested to provide comments on this matter.
jOakin Oliver was just 17 when he was tragically shot in his high school hallway. An older student, who had been expelled a few months prior, unleashed a devastating attack with a high-powered rifle on Valentine’s Day, marking one of America’s deadliest school shootings. Seven years later, Joaquin believes it’s crucial to discuss the events of that day in Parkland, Florida.
Regrettably, Joaquin did not survive that day. The eerie, metallic voice that conversed with former CNN journalist Jim Acosta during this week’s Substack interview was, in reality, a digital ghost voice. This AI was trained on historical social media posts from teens and developed at the behest of grieving parents. Like many families, they recurrently share their children’s stories, often finding it heartbreakingly ineffective. Their desperation to explore every avenue of connection is entirely understandable.
The technology has allowed his father, Manuel, to hear his son’s voice once more. His mother, Patricia, spends hours asking the AI questions and prompting it with, “I love you, Mom.”
The grieving parents should not be judged for their choices. If they find solace in preserving their deceased child’s room as a shrine, speaking to their gravestone, or wearing a shirt that still carries their scent, that remains their personal matter. People cling to what they have. After 9/11, families replayed tapes of their loved ones until they were worn out, answering voicemails left by the deceased, and even made farewell calls from hijacked planes. I have a friend who frequently revisits old WhatsApp conversations with his late sister. Another friend texts snippets of family news to the image of his deceased father. Some choose to consult psychics to connect with the departed, driven by a profound need for closure. The struggle to move past grief often leaves people open to exploitation, and the burgeoning market for digital resurrection is a testament to this vulnerability.
In a manner reminiscent of AI-generated videos featuring Rod Stewart this week alongside late music icons like Ozzy Osbourne, this technology poses intriguing—even unsettling—possibilities. It may serve short-term purposes, as seen with AI avatars created recently by the family of a shooting victim to address a judge during the shooter’s trial. However, this raises profound questions about identity and mortality. What if a permanent AI version of a deceased person could exist as a robot, allowing for everlasting conversations?
AI images of Ozzy Osbourne and Tina Turner were showcased at the Rod Stewart concert in the US in August 2025. Photo: Iamsloanesteel Instagram
The idea of resurrection is often viewed as a divine power, not to be trivialized by high-tech zealots with a Messiah complex. While laws regarding the rights of the living to protect their identities from being used in AI-generated deepfakes are becoming clearer, the rights of the deceased remain murky.
Reputations may fade with us—after death, people cannot libel—and DNA is protected posthumously. Laws govern how we should respect human dignity, but AI is trained on a personal voice, messages, and images that hold significance for someone. When my father passed away, I felt his presence in his old letters, the gardens he nurtured, and old recordings of his voice. But everyone grieves differently. What happens if some family members want to digitally resurrect their loved one while others prefer to move on?
Joaquin Oliver’s AI can’t mature—he remains forever 17, trapped in a teenage persona molded by social media. Ultimately, it’s not his family but his murderer who holds the power over his legacy. Manuel Oliver understands that the avatar is not truly his son; he is not attempting to resurrect him. For him, this technology merely extends the family’s efforts to tell Joaquin’s story. However, Manuel is concerned about the implications of granting AI access to social media accounts, uploading videos, or gathering followers. What if the AI starts fabricating memories or veers into subjects that Joaquin would not have addressed?
Currently, there are noticeable glitches in AI avatars, but as the technology advances, distinguishing them from real people could become increasingly difficult. It may not be long before businesses and government entities employ chatbots for customer service inquiries and contemplate using public relations avatars for journalist interviews. Acosta, by agreeing to engage with a technically non-existent entity, could unintentionally muddy the already confused state of our post-truth world. The most apparent danger is that conspiracy theorists might cite interviews like this as “proof” that narratives contradicting their beliefs are fabrications.
Yet, journalists aren’t the only professionals facing these challenges. As AI evolves, we will interact with synthetic versions of ourselves. This surpasses the basic AI assistants like Alexa or simple chatbots—there are accounts of individuals forming bonds with AI or even falling in love with AI companions—these are expected to be increasingly nuanced and emotionally intelligent. With 1 in 10 British individuals reporting a lack of close friends, it’s no surprise that there is a growing market for AI companionship amidst the void left by lost human relationships.
Ultimately, as a society, we might reach a consensus that technological solutions can fill the gaps left by absent friends or loved ones. However, a significant distinction exists between providing comfort to the lonely and confronting those who have lost someone dear to them. According to poems often recited at funerals, there is a time to be born and a time to die. When we can no longer discern which is which, how does that reshape our understanding of existence?
Mitochondria supply energy to cells, yet mutations can lead to defects
Nobeastsofierce Science / Alamy
Eight young children are believed to be shielded from severe genetic disorders after being born through a procedure that replaces the mother’s faulty mitochondria with those from female donors.
Approximately 1 in 5,000 individuals inherit defective mitochondria, which are responsible for energy production in cells and passed down solely from mothers. Such defects can stem from genetic mutations leading to serious health issues like blindness, seizures, and even death. “Families face immense challenges with these conditions, as they are devastating,” said Bobby McFarland of Newcastle University in the UK.
In 2015, the UK became the first nation to sanction a technique known as pronuclear transfer for women at high risk of transmitting mitochondrial diseases who may not benefit from genetic testing prior to the transplant.
This technique involves utilizing eggs from both the mothers and donors, then fertilizing them with sperm from the father via IVF. After approximately 10 hours, the nuclei from both eggs are removed. This separates the crucial genetic material from the mitochondrial DNA.
The nucleus from the mother is subsequently inserted into the donor’s egg, resulting in an embryo that retains most of the genetic information from its biological parent while gaining mitochondria from the donor. It’s important to note that some maternal mitochondrial DNA could still be passed on unintentionally, as mentioned by Burt Smeet of Maastricht University in the Netherlands.
McFarland, who pioneered this approach with colleagues, has since employed the technique on 19 women possessing harmful mutations in over 80% of their mitochondria, typically the threshold for complications.
Following the transfer of the last embryo, seven women achieved pregnancies, resulting in the birth of eight healthy babies, including one set of twins.
Blood samples taken from the newborns were analyzed, revealing no harmful mitochondrial DNA mutations in five of them, while the other three showed only minimal levels. “The results have met our expectations,” noted Mike Murphy at Cambridge University.
Months or even years after undergoing nuclear transfer, some of the children have encountered challenges in reaching developmental milestones. Some have faced complications, potentially related to the transfer process. For instance, one child experienced elevated blood lipid levels and an irregular heartbeat, both of which were treated successfully, while another developed epilepsy at seven months, which resolved itself over time.
The research team intends to monitor the children to assess the long-term effects of this procedure.
oWhen Russia’s invasion of Ukraine commenced, Leksii Sukhorukov’s son was just 12 years old. For months, their family endured trauma and uncertainty. Sukhorukov had to leave his job in the entertainment sector, which included virtual reality and video games, leading to isolation from friends and family. Amid all this chaos, his son found solace in Minecraft. No matter the turmoil outside, he could enter Mojang’s block-building game to escape.
“After February 24, 2022, my perspective on the game shifted dramatically,” Skorkov reflects. He discovered a community of Ukrainian children playing together online. Some lived under Russian occupation, while others resided in government-controlled regions frequently targeted by missile strikes. Many had become refugees, yet they managed to connect, support each other, and construct their own worlds. Isn’t that fascinating? I felt compelled to explore how video games could be harnessed for this purpose.”
Sukhorukov, who holds a degree in psychology, chose to return to his roots, aiming to integrate his gaming experience with mental health practices. He is now the MC of the Ukrainian National Psychological Association’s Cyber Psychology Department. In 2023, he launched HealGame Ukraine, a project focused on utilizing video games for mental and emotional health support. “Currently, in collaboration with the Donetsk National Institute of Technology, we are developing a Minecraft server aimed at bringing together Ukrainian children who feel particularly isolated due to the conflict,” he explains. “The server will be facilitated by psychologists and social workers, and we also plan to create a Minecraft project for children with special educational needs.”
Lighthouse…Moment from Oleksii Sukhorukov’s Wonderworld project, where kids create towers to connect with each other on Minecraft servers. Photo: оacy
Play has been a foundation of child therapy for nearly a century, thanks to pioneers like Anna Freud, Melanie Klein, and Virginia Axlein. However, the integration of video games into therapy has been spearheaded by a new generation of practitioners who grew up gaming since the early 2010s. In 2011, Massachusetts-based therapist and gamer Minecra Grova published “Reset: Video Games and Psychotherapy,” a guide for clinicians seeking to understand gaming culture’s impact on adolescents. This piqued the interest of UK counselor Ellie Finch. Growing up with Mega Drive games, she began contemplating how to incorporate games into therapy after engaging with titles like Nie and Minecraft in 2012. However, the onset of the pandemic halted her plans.
“I transitioned from in-person youth counseling to online sessions overnight,” Finch recalls. “There are limitations to providing counseling via video calls, and I noticed many of the children were gamers. I began discussing video games with them.
Minecraft has shown to be particularly effective for several reasons: it’s one of the most popular games globally, with over 200 million players, making it familiar and accessible to many kids. Its open and creative structure allows players to express themselves freely, gathering materials to construct homes, explore, and fend off zombies.
Finch creates a private Minecraft environment exclusively for her and the children she works with. Clients can dictate parameters; some may prefer no hostile characters and opt for creative mode, while others desire a flat sky landscape. “I often begin the first session by asking my clients to design a safe space in their world,” Finch states. “This could be a house, castle, or underwater observatory. Their creations reveal much about their inner world right from the start.”
The ideal home… Ellie Finch guides clients in building a secure home within Minecraft. Photo: Microsoft/Ellie Finch
Therapists can navigate the game in various ways, allowing for a non-directed format where they follow the client to develop trust and employ therapeutic skills to decode the ongoing dynamics. “Minecraft provides a sense of adventure,” Finch notes. “Clients might wish to explore caves, swim underwater, battle hostile mobs, or construct intricate machines, opening a multitude of possibilities.
Therapists can also employ commands that engage clients in therapeutic or psychoeducational tasks. Recently, Sukhorukov and Ukrainian psychologist Anna Schulha, along with nonprofit Martesezer Werke, orchestrated a quest called Wonderworld for Ukrainian refugees aged 11-13 in Germany. These children, often feeling isolated and burdened by forced migration, participated in sessions where they had to find envelopes containing Minecraft-related resources hidden around their living spaces and nearby parks. They then utilized these resources in the game to create cakes and other items.
“At the conclusion of each session, we encouraged kids to reflect on the positive emotions and experiences they encountered during the game,” Skorkov shares. “It’s fascinating to observe the kids’ constructions and the choices they make. Are they vibrant and open, or concealed underground? How do they navigate this gaming realm?
Finch resonates with the notion that creativity within video games serves as a medium of communication, akin to drawing or building with LEGO. “The kids have shown me their fears and feelings of entrapment by guiding me into dark caves. They constructed slime block trampolines to relieve tension. Teenagers have utilized the game to venture outside their ‘safe spaces’ and explore unfamiliar territories beyond the guidance of therapists and trusted adults. In 2024, she plans to collaborate with the Cambridge University Faculty of Education on a project named ‘Chasm: Creating Accessible Services Using Minecraft’ to showcase these therapeutic uses.
Today, an increasing number of therapists are exploring the potential of video games in diverse ways. Drawing influence from Sukhorukov, they’re doing essential work that elucidates the digital landscape, cyber trauma, and the realities children face in gaming.
It’s not just about Minecraft. Games like Fortnite, Roblox, and Animal Crossing are also becoming therapeutic tools. Regardless of the game, therapy is essential in reflecting the increasingly digital lives of our youth. “For individuals raised in a tech-rich world, digital play isn’t merely a pastime,” Stone asserts. “They utilize platforms, programs, and devices as their primary forms of creativity and connection, amplifying the foundations of psychotherapy rather than replacing them.
Finch is currently contemplating extending video game therapy to adults, recognizing that this approach can be beneficial across all ages, given her lifelong devotion to gaming.
For Sukhorukov, a profound dynamic exists between Ukrainian children and Minecraft. The therapeutic impact is expanding throughout the nation. “If you search for the term ‘майнкрафт’ on Ukrainian YouTube, you will find numerous videos created by Ukrainian children and teenagers within Minecraft. They reflect lives intersected by war, with military parents, loved ones, or displaced companions. The war has fragmented their connections, affecting every Ukrainian child.
“Moreover, there’s something else that may be challenging to convey. The homelands of many Ukrainians—Volnovakha, Sievierodonetsk, Soledar, Mar’inka, Bakhmut—only exist in Minecraft. Children lack the capacity to articulate their experiences in extensive articles about these realities.
Inhaled insulin, specifically Afrezza, effectively manages blood glucose levels in children with type 1 diabetes, similar to injected insulin. Afrezza is already approved for use in adults with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in the US, and the manufacturer is looking to gain approval for pediatric use.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. Individuals with this condition typically require daily insulin injections. However, managing blood sugar levels can be challenging, particularly after meals or following exercise.
Dr. Michael Haller from the University of Florida, who has worked on Afrezza’s advisory board, explored the potential of inhaled insulin to enhance glycemic control in adults. Preliminary findings suggest it could be more effective for children than traditional injections. A study was conducted with 230 participants aged 4 to 17, including both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients requiring insulin.
All participants were on a basal insulin regimen, administered once or twice daily to maintain baseline levels. Additional rapid-acting insulin was generally required before meals. In the 26-week trial, some children utilized Afrezza as their rapid-acting insulin, while others continued with injectable insulin.
Results indicated that both insulin types achieved comparable blood glucose control. These findings were presented at the American Diabetes Association Conference in Chicago in June. More details can be found here.
“This suggests that Afrezza could be a preferable option for patients due to the delivery method, particularly for those with needle anxiety,” Dr. Haller states. “More importantly, it provides patients with additional strategies for managing a complex condition.”
While some users experienced coughing with the inhaled version, it resolved once they acclimated. However, Afrezza is not recommended for individuals with chronic lung issues like asthma.
Dr. Kathryn Sumpter from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center suggests that inhaled insulin may benefit certain diabetes patients, particularly children who often forget to take their medication before meals. Nonetheless, she believes that many would prefer the injected form, especially for younger children needing precise dosing.
MannKind Corporation intends to seek regulatory approval for pediatric usage of Afrezza in the United States, as noted by Dr. Haller.
A growing number of children are taking breaks from their smartphones to enhance their mental health, personal safety, and focus, according to recent research.
Experts emphasize that this trend is a response to increased awareness about the potential harm of unchecked social media and smartphone use, rather than merely excessive time spent online.
Research from an audience analysis firm reveals that the percentage of 12-15-year-olds who are stepping away from smartphones, computers, and iPads has surged by 40%, up from 18% in 2022 Golden Week. This data stems from a survey involving 20,000 young individuals and their parents across 18 nations.
Professor Sonia Livingston, Director of LSE’s Digital Futures for Children Center, noted that these findings will soon be published. According to the study, children and teens are exploring varied methods to manage how their online experiences impact their well-being—such as taking breaks from social media, diverting from online negativity, seeking positive internet experiences, and, in some cases, completely quitting social media.
Livingston remarked:
“They’re trying out various strategies to safeguard their well-being without completely abandoning social media. They are communicating about what works best for them and are aware of future implications.”
Daisy Greenwell, co-founder of Smart Phone Free Childhood, added:
“Many young individuals realize that these platforms are not impartial. They are designed to capture attention. Their time, focus, and self-worth are often exploited by major corporations. Taking a break has turned into a form of rebellion.”
This notion is echoed in Ofcom’s findings. A report from 2024 indicates thatone-third (33%) of 8-17 year-olds online believe their screen time is excessive. Additionally, another study found that 47% of 16-24-year-olds on social media had disabled notifications and utilized “do not disturb” mode, an increase from 40% in 2023, in contrast to 28% of older users.
Thirty-four percent of youth are more inclined to intentionally take breaks from social media (up from 23% who would not), 29% uninstall apps that consume too much time (compared to 19% who do not), and 24% remove apps for mental health reasons (up from 13%).
David Ellis, Professor of Behavioral Science at Bath University, observed that teens may possess more control over their smartphone and social media usage than their parents.
Ellis stated: “If someone reduces their screen time and increases physical activity, it’s generally seen as a positive change, potentially replacing that time with something more beneficial.”
A young man aged 18 to 25 shared with the Guardian that he previously felt his parents’ generation lacked guidance on smartphone usage, granting too much access. He mentioned he would limit smartphone access for his children until their late teens.
Recent surveys show that nearly half of young people envision a world without the internet and many support digital curfews; however, after using social media, more than three-quarters expressed negative feelings about themselves.
According to GWI Research, social media addiction ranks among the top parental worries, alongside climate change, war, and housing issues. Furthermore, 8% of parents reported becoming stricter with screen time limits after viewing documentaries about the risks associated with online misconduct.
The parents of the family were left devastated when their aspirations for change were dashed after they sought to safeguard their children in the Colorado Legislature last month and online activism targeting a drug dealer resulted in tragedy.
Among those parents was Lori Shot, who was instrumental in crafting the bill. Her 18-year-old daughter Annaly tragically took her own life in 2020 after engaging with content on TikTok and Instagram related to depression, anxiety, and suicide.
“When lawmakers sidestep votes and shift discussions to an insubstantial calendar date without accountability, it feels like a betrayal to us as parents.” “It’s a betrayal to my daughter and to all the other children we’ve lost.”
Had the law been enacted, it would have necessitated investigations and the removal of accounts engaged in gun and drug sales, or the sexual exploitation and human trafficking of minors on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. It also required a dedicated hotline for law enforcement and a 72-hour response timeframe for police inquiries, which would significantly increase obligations compared to current legal standards.
Additionally, the platforms would have had to report on the usage statistics of minors, including how often and for how long they interacted with content violating company policies. Several major tech firms have taken official stances regarding the bill. As noted in Colorado’s lobbying records, Meta’s long-time lobbying firm, Headwater Strategies, has registered its support for revising the bill. Conversely, Google and TikTok employed lobbyists to oppose it.
‘[Legislators] chose self-interest over the protection of children and families. ” Illustration: Andrei Cojocaru/Guardian
“We are deeply disheartened,” said Kim Osterman, whose 18-year-old son Max died in 2021. “[Legislators] prioritized their own interests over the safety of my children and family.”
Protection for Social Media Users (SB 25-086) passed both legislative chambers, only to be vetoed by Democrat Governor Jared Polis on April 24th. His veto was justified by concerns that the bill would “erode privacy, freedom, and innovation.” On April 25, the Colorado Senate voted to override the veto, but on April 28, the House chose to delay the vote until the end of the legislative session, effectively blocking the override and keeping the bill alive.
Originally, the bill had passed the Senate with a 29-6 margin and the House with a 46-18 margin. On April 25, the Senate voted 29-6 for an override, and lawmakers anticipated that the House would take up the matter later that day, believing that there was enough bipartisan support to successfully overturn the veto.
“It was a straightforward vote for people because our goal was clear: to safeguard children from the predatory practices of social media companies,” remarked Senator Lindsey Dorgerty, a Democrat and co-sponsor of the bill. She expressed her disappointment that House leaders chose to sidestep the vote on Friday.
Advocating parents blamed the failure of the bill on an unexpected 11-hour lobbying blitz by The Far Right Gun Owners Association in Colorado. Two state legislators and seven other legislative participants corroborated the parents’ claims.
An unprecedented last-minute campaign disrupts bipartisan consensus
The owner of Rocky Mountain Guns (RMGO) characterized the bill as government censorship related to the statute against “ghost guns” assembled from kits purchased online.
RMGO initiated an extensive social media and email campaign, rallying its 200,000 members to contact lawmakers and voice their opposition to the bill. Sources familiar with the workings of the Colorado State Capitol explained that the gun group’s outreach included social media and text campaigns that encouraged Republican constituents to reach out to their representatives in opposition.
“[Legislators] were inundated with calls and emails from activists. It was an all-out assault. A campaign declared, ‘This is a government censorship bill,'” they stated.
The group’s actions contributed to efforts preventing Republicans from backing the veto override, leading to the bill’s demise. According to ten individuals involved in the bill’s development and the legislative process, this lobbying effort appeared unexpectedly robust, fueled by organizations that had previously faced financial constraints. An anonymous source from the Colorado State Capitol shared insights with the Guardian, citing fears of retaliation from RMGO.
The House of Representatives postponed its vote until April 28th, providing RMGO time to amplify its campaign over the weekend. When lawmakers reconvened on Monday, the House voted 51-13 to delay the override until the legislative session concluded, effectively dissolving the effort.
“It was a coordinated full-scale attack proclaiming this as a government censorship bill.” Illustration: Andrei Cojocaru/Guardian
A significant text messaging initiative targeted registered Republican voters, alleging that the social media bill “forces platforms to enforce extensive surveillance of content shared on their platforms,” claiming violations of Colorado’s gun laws, and framing the legislation as an affront to First and Second Amendment rights, according to texts reviewed by the Guardian.
A recurring adversary
Established in 1996, RMGO claims a membership exceeding 200,000 activists. It is recognized as a far-right organization staunchly opposed to regulations on firearms. Dudley Brown, its founder and leader president of the National Gun Rights Association, diverges significantly from the perspective of the National Rifle Association (NRA). RMGO is criticized for employing tactics labeled as “bullying” and “extremist” against both Democrats and moderate Republicans. The group has not responded to requests for commentary regarding legislative measures.
RMGO is a well-known presence at the Colorado State Capitol, typically opposing gun control measures. Daugherty described their usual campaign tactics as “intimidating.” Following backlash for her involvement in a bill banning assault weapons earlier this year, she deactivated her social media account.
“While advocating for gun legislation at the Capitol, RMGO published images of me and other legislators on their website,” she noted. An RMGO tweet depicted Daugherty alongside a bold “Traitor” stamp.
The group disseminated misinformation regarding the bill’s implications on gun ownership, as reported by sources who participated in the legislative discussions.
“My support for the bill and the veto override stemmed from concerns about child trafficking and safeguarding children,” stated Republican Senator Rod Pelton, who voted in favor of overriding the veto in the Senate. “I did not subscribe to the entire argument pertaining to the second amendment.”
The bill garnered support from 23 district attorneys in Colorado as well as bipartisan backing from the state House of Representatives.
RMGO’s late-stage opposition to the social media bill deviated from its usual tactics. Typically, the organization weighs in on legislation early in the process, according to eight sources, including co-sponsors Daugherty and Representative Andy Boesenecker.
“Their surge of focused efforts caught my attention,” Boesenecker remarked. “It was curious to note that their resistance materialized so late in the process and appeared to be well-financed.”
In recent years, RMGO has experienced reduced activity attributed to financial difficulties that limited their legislative campaigning capacity. In a 2024 interview, the organization’s leader candidly acknowledged struggles with fundraising. Daugherty believes RMGO’s capacity for such a substantial outreach campaign would be unlikely without considerable funding. Others within Colorado’s political landscape echoed this sentiment.
“The Rocky Mountain Gun Owners had been largely ineffective in the legislature for several years due to financial constraints. Suddenly, they increased their influence, seemingly backed by substantial funds,” said Dawn Reinfeld, from a Colorado-based nonprofit focused on youth rights.
This context caused lawmakers to feel pressured, especially concerning primary elections in their districts, following RMGO’s recent social media attacks on supporters of the bill.
“The bill had given me hope that Avery’s legacy would make a difference, and its failure was incredibly disappointing.” Illustration: Andrei Cojocaru/Guardian
“There was a palpable concern among many about party affiliation; it certainly played a role,” remarked Dorgerty.
Aaron Ping’s 16-year-old son, Avery, passed away from an overdose in December after buying what he believed to be ecstasy on Snapchat, only to receive a substance laced with fentanyl instead. Ping viewed the organized opposition to the bill as a purposeful distortion.
“The narrative painted the bill as an infringement on gun rights, depicting it as merely a tool for targeting people purchasing illegal firearms online,” he stated.
Ping had testified in support of the bill alongside other families, recovering teens, and district attorneys back in February before the initial Senate vote.
“This bill carried the hope that Avery’s legacy would incite change; its rejection was truly disheartening,” Ping shared.
In the absence of federal action, states initiate online child safety legislation
A number of states, including California, Maryland, Vermont, Minnesota, Hawaii, Illinois, New Mexico, South Carolina, and Nevada, have introduced legislation over the past two years aimed at enhancing online safety for minors. These initiatives encounter vigorous resistance from the technology sector, which includes extensive lobbying efforts and legal challenges.
Maryland successfully passed the Children’s Code bill in May 2024, marking it as the first state to enact such legislation. However, this victory may be short-lived. The high-tech industry coalition, NetChoice, representing companies such as Meta, Google, and Amazon, has already launched legal challenges against these measures.
In the meanwhile, federal efforts have stalled, with the Children’s Online Safety Act (KOSA) faltering in February after failing to pass the House despite years of modifications and deliberations. A newly revised version of the bill was reintroduced in Congress on May 14th.
California’s similar initiative, the age-appropriate design code law, which mirrors UK legislation, was halted in late 2023 following a NetChoice injunction citing potential First Amendment infringements.
At the Springwood Library in the Blue Mountains, librarians arrive holding cat carriers in each hand.
Around 30children form semicircles. From each carrier, a pair of bright, sci-fi-like eyes peer into the eager crowd.
“That’s the most fascinating thing ever,” exclaims one child.
Preschoolers have just finished enjoying Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell’s *Track Cat* for the annual national simultaneous storytime.
Metacut, the two friendly robot pets, are special guests on their inaugural library tour throughout Blue Mountain, New South Wales.
The Blue Mountains City Council states that lifelike cat replicas can offer comfort and alleviate stress, particularly for children and individuals dealing with anxiety and dementia.
Metacut features an artificial heartbeat and non-allergenic fur. Photo: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian
Metacuts are capable of meowing and purring. They boast animated LED eyes, soft, hypoallergenic fur, and silicone legs. Yes, the artificial heartbeat resonates within.
With integrated sensors in their head, chin, and back, the cats respond to human interaction, exhibiting realistic movements upon specific voice commands.
When someone says, “I love you, Metacut,” their eyes light up with a glowing heart symbol.
Ewan, captivated by the black cat, bursts into laughter every time it turns its head towards him.
“He’s hooked,” chuckles Ewan’s mother, Amy Cameron, suggesting it’s because it resembles their family cat, Diego.
Meanwhile, 10-year-old Stella becomes enamored with the white cat’s fur, asserting that it evokes “real feelings.” Her six-year-old brother, Charlie, reminisces about Snuffle Pass, their late orange cat.
Stephanie Lambilis and her children Stella (10) and Charlie (6) play with a Metacut at Springwood Library. Photo: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian
Dr. Rosemary Dillon, CEO of Blue Mountains City Council, mentions that the council decided to acquire Metacut for the community after discovering them at the 2024 NSW Public Library Association Conference.
Dillon noted that library visitors started interacting with the Metacut, often seeking it out over the human staff.
Metacut has become unexpectedly popular amongst older patrons, Dillon adds. “A significant number of seniors frequent the library for companionship,” she states. “This offers an additional layer of engagement for them.”
Loneliness is a pressing national public health issue, with recent surveys indicating that one in four Australians feels isolated.
Associate Professor Alyssa Milton, a children’s mental health specialist at the University of Sydney, asserts that Metacuts may offer a comforting and reliable connection.
“Robotic pets, or real ones, can help children feel secure and acknowledged,” she explains. “Research indicates that robotic animals show promise in assisting children with various neurological developmental challenges.”
Storytime leader Elissa demonstrates one of the robot cats for the children at Springwood Library. Photo: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian
Milton emphasizes that libraries and community spaces play a crucial role in diminishing feelings of social isolation, and Metacut provides an alternative for families who face limitations in owning real pets due to housing circumstances or allergies.
Feedback from Springwood indicates that Metacut has become a favorite.
The children eagerly line up to interact with the animatronic pets.
Stephanie Lambilis, the mother of Stella and Charlie, mentions that the family made a special trip to Springwood just to see the cat. “It’s gentle and sweet,” she comments.
Suggestions for cat names are welcome through the “CAT-FLAP” nomination box at the library until June 7th. Naturally, Stella has submitted her choice, Snuffle Pass.
Professor Adam Guastella, a child neurodevelopment expert at the University of Sydney, mentions that robotic animals can enhance learning and social interaction.
“Early findings indicate that…robotic dogs can foster improved social communication in children with autism,” notes Guastella.
Elissa takes the cat from her carrier as children line up to meet the furry animatron. Photo: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian
Dr. Nathan Caruana, a cognitive psychology lecturer at Flinders University, concurs that the concept holds promise.
“Children crave attention, and it seems they find motivation with something that doesn’t pass judgment,” he explains.
However, Caruana emphasizes that his research is ongoing, and conclusive evidence supporting the use of robots as mental health tools is still developing.
After completing this tour, the robotic duo will return to what the council describes as their “previous” residences: Springwood and Katoumba Library, while also visiting other libraries for special events.
O Over the last ten years, Dean has built a robust collection of video games, ranging from mainstream blockbusters to niche favorites. His digital library is akin to a cinematic treasure trove, allowing instant access with a simple click. Yet, his son, Sam, has set his sights on just one game: Roblox. This expansive virtual universe and video game, Roblox is the leading title worldwide.
The company reports over 97 million daily active users on Roblox, with around 40% of them, like Sam, aged under 13. In 2024, Roblox generated approximately $5.6 billion (US$3.6 billion) in revenue, mainly from purchases of “Robux,” a form of in-game currency, with the average user spending about $25 a month.
Amid concerns about children’s exposure to bullying and inappropriate content, a recent report highlights the impacts of game monetization on young users.
Experts argue that Australia’s current classification system does not adequately assist child gamers and their parents in navigating the tricky monetization landscape.
New reports from Australian researchers scrutinize the manipulative “dark design patterns” in gaming that encourage spending and confuse children with unclear cryptocurrency transactions.
One recent report from Monash University and the Center for Consumer Policy Research (CPRC) focused on players aged 18 and older, revealing that games designed with dark patterns are almost unavoidable. Of the 800 surveyed, 83% reported “negative effects” from these designs, and 46% faced economic disadvantages, feeling pressured to purchase items and overspending.
Another recent study from University of Sydney researchers sought to understand how children, who represent one-fifth of the gaming population, recognize these mechanisms and perceive the design of video games.
“Concerns about children’s interaction with digital media often lead to panic and policy decisions that overlook the actual experiences of children,” states Taylor Hardwick, lead author of the study.
Hardwick and her team interviewed 22 children aged 7 to 14 and their parents. Each child received a $20 debit card and was instructed to explain their purchases.
Among the 22 children, 18 played Roblox, with 12 spending their entire $20 on Robux. The remaining five used the funds on other games like Call of Duty, Fallout 76, and Minecraft.
Participants expressed concerns about being misunderstood and frustrated by their purchases, especially if they suddenly lost access to their accounts or items.
Sam’s father shared that Sam has spent around $400 a year on Roblox over the past four years, with a recent purchase leaving him disheartened.
Sam had used some of his Robux to buy Godzilla “skins” (digital costumes) in a popular Roblox game called Monster Universe. However, upon logging in, he found his skin had vanished unexpectedly after the game was shut down by Toho, the copyright holder. He did not receive a refund from Roblox.
One major concern raised by Sydney researchers is the impact of “random reward mechanisms” (RRMs) on children. RRMs, like loot boxes, offer players mystery items through lottery-style draws.
While children in this study accepted RRMs as part of gaming, many expressed dissatisfaction with them.
“Even if children talk about game percentages in slang, they don’t entirely grasp the risks of navigating these digital experiences,” the authors note. “Gambling-like mechanisms such as RRMs are harmful and inappropriate for children’s games.”
Recommendations include eliminating RRMs, simplifying refund processes, enhancing account protections for children, and improving transparency regarding cryptocurrency.
Christopher Ferguson, a psychologist at Stetson University, found the study interesting but highlighted the small sample size and questioned the researchers’ definition of “harm.” He argued that while children may feel deceived, the monetization aspects could be more annoying than harmful.
“It’s encouraging that researchers are inquiring about children’s perspectives on their experiences,” he said.
A USTRALIA has attempted to shield children from monetized RRMs by introducing a new classification system that was implemented in September 2024. Currently, games containing RRMs or loot boxes are not recommended for those under 15.
However, these new regulations apply only to newly classified games, and pre-existing games are not required to update their classifications.
Leon Xiao, a researcher from City University of Hong Kong studying loot box regulation, states that Australia faces implementation issues rather than legal ones. He argues that several video games were misrated after the new law came into effect, indicating flaws in consumer education.
A preliminary study by Marcus Carter, co-author of the University of Sydney research, suggests that about 20% of the top 100 grossing mobile games on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store do not comply with Australian regulations. Hardwick and Carter recently noted that Australia’s guidelines “do not fulfill their intended purpose.”
Roblox, with its extensive user-generated content, exemplifies the confusion surrounding ratings. Xiao argues, “Roblox should either be rated or not recommended for players under 15.” However, the game is rated PG on the Google Play Store.
In contrast, Apple’s App Store lists a regional age rating of over 15 years, which aligns with global ratings from Apple that set the limit at 12.
A Roblox spokesperson informed Guardian Australia that developers must use the PolicyService API to comply with jurisdictional requirements, ensuring access only for eligible users with paid random items. Due to an update rolled out to developers in September 2024, paid random items are currently unavailable to users in Australia.
“As a platform for user-generated content, we provide developers with tools, information, and guidelines applicable to various gameplay aspects within games and experiences.
“We are committed to addressing reported content that fails to adhere to guidelines or does not effectively use tools necessary to meet Australia’s local compliance requirements.”
The company strives to inform parents about their children’s purchasing habits, does not store billing information as defaults, and fails to give warnings that real money is being spent during initial transactions. Parents are also alerted via emails regarding high spending activity.
“Our parental controls enable parents and caregivers to receive notifications about their child’s spending on Roblox and set monthly spending limits for their accounts,” said the spokesperson.
Hardwick believes navigating monetization is challenging for parents, who are often busy, informed, and lack resources. She feels they aren’t equipped to manage children’s in-game spending effectively.
Dean is making every effort to guide Sam through these trends, discussing what Sam spends Robux on and why. While Dean acknowledges Sam’s disappointment over the Godzilla skin, he has encouraged Sam to explore a gardening game where he can utilize Robux to purchase new species.
The “nudifice” app utilizing artificial intelligence to generate explicit sexual images of children is raising alarms, echoing concerns from English children’s commissioners amidst rising fears for potential victims.
Girls have reported refraining from sharing images of themselves on social media due to fears that generative AI tools could alter or sexualize their clothing. Although creating or disseminating sexually explicit images of children is illegal, the underlying technology remains legal, according to the report.
“Children express fear at the mere existence of this technology. They worry strangers, classmates, or even friends might exploit smartphones to manipulate them, using these specialized apps to create nude images,” a spokesperson stated.
“While the online landscape is innovative and continuously evolving, there’s no justifiable reason for these specific applications to exist. They have no rightful place in our society, and tools that enable the creation of naked images of children using deepfake technology should be illegal.”
De Souza has proposed an AI bill mandating that developers of generative AI tools address product functionalities, and has urged the government to implement an effective system for eliminating explicit deepfake images of children. This initiative should be supported by policy measures recognizing deep sexual abuse as a form of violence against women and girls.
Meanwhile, the report calls on Ofcom to ensure diligent age verification of nudification apps, and for social media platforms to restrict access to sexually explicit deepfake tools targeted at children, in accordance with online safety laws.
The findings revealed that 26% of respondents aged 13 to 18 had encountered deep, sexually explicit images of celebrities, friends, teachers, or themselves.
Many AI tools reportedly focus solely on female bodies, thereby contributing to an escalating culture of misogyny, the report cautions.
An 18-year-old girl conveyed to the commissioner:
The report highlighted cases like that of Mia Janin, who tragically died by suicide in March 2021, illustrating connections between deepfake abuse, suicidal thoughts, and PTSD.
In her report, De Souza stated that new technologies confront children with concepts they struggle to comprehend, evolving at a pace that overwhelms their ability to recognize the associated hazards.
The lawyer explained to the Guardian that this reflects a lack of understanding regarding the repercussions of actions taken by young individuals arrested for sexual offenses, particularly concerning deepfake experimentation.
Daniel Reese Greenhalgh, a partner at Cokerbinning law firm, noted that the existing legal framework poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies in identifying and protecting abuse victims.
She indicated that banning such apps might ignite debates over internet freedom and could disproportionately impact young men experimenting with AI software without comprehension of the consequences.
Reece-Greenhalgh remarked that while the criminal justice system strives to treat adolescent offenses with understanding, previous efforts to mitigate criminality among youth have faced challenges when offenses occur in private settings, leading to unintended consequences within schools and communities.
Matt Hardcastle, a partner at Kingsley Napley, emphasized the “online youth minefield” surrounding access to illegal sexual and violent content, noting that many parents are unaware of how easily their children can encounter situations that lead to harmful experiences.
“Parents often view these situations from their children’s perspectives, unaware that their actions can be both illegal and detrimental to themselves or others,” he stated. “Children’s brains are still developing, leading them to approach risk-taking very differently.”
Marcus Johnston, a criminal lawyer focusing on sex crimes, reported working with an increasingly youthful demographic involved in such crimes, often without parental awareness of the issues at play. “Typically, these offenders are young men, seldom young women, ensnared indoors, while parents mistakenly perceive their activities as mere games,” he explained. “These offenses have emerged largely due to the internet, with most sexual crimes now taking place online, spearheaded by forums designed to cultivate criminal behavior in children.”
A government spokesperson stated:
“It is appallingly illegal to create, possess, or distribute child sexual abuse material, including AI-generated images. Platforms of all sizes must remove this content or face significant fines as per online safety laws. The UK is pioneering the introduction of AI-specific child sexual abuse offenses, making it illegal to own, create, or distribute tools crafted for generating abhorrent child sexual abuse material.”
In the UK, the NSPCC offers support to children at 0800 1111 and adults concerned about children can reach out at 0808 800 5000. The National Association of People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) supports adult survivors at 0808 801 0331. In Australia, children, young adults, parents, and educators can contact the 1800 55 1800 helpline for children, or Braveheart at 1800 272 831. Adult survivors may reach the Blue Knot Foundation at 1300 657 380.
As of July, social media and other online platforms must block harmful content for children or face severe fines. Online Safety Law requires tech companies to implement these measures by July 25th or risk closure in extreme cases.
The Communications Watchdog has issued over 40 measures covering various websites and apps used by children, from social media to games. Services deemed “high-risk” must implement effective age checks and algorithms to protect users under 18 from harmful content. Platforms also need to promptly remove dangerous content and provide children with an easy way to report inappropriate material.
Ofcom CEO Melanie Dawes described these changes as a “reset” for children online, warning that businesses failing to comply risk consequences. The new Ofcom code aims to create a safer online environment, with stricter controls on harmful content and age verification measures.
Additionally, there is discussion about implementing a social media curfew for children, following concerns about the impact of online platforms on young users. Efforts are being made to safeguard children from exposure to harmful content, including violence, hate speech, and online bullying.
Online safety advocate Ian Russell, who tragically lost his daughter to online harm, believes that the new code places too much emphasis on tech companies’ interests rather than safeguarding children. His charity, the Molly Rose Foundation, argues that more needs to be done to protect young people from harmful online content and challenges.
The proportion of American children, whose autism spectrum disorder is estimated to have increased in 2022, continues to have a long-term trend. Released data Tuesday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Of those ages 8, one in 31 people were found to have autism in 2022, compared to one in 36 people in 2020. That rate is almost five times higher than the number in 2000, when agencies first began collecting data.
Health agencies noted that the increase is most likely driven by better perceptions and screening, as it is not because autism itself is becoming more common.
It diverged surprisingly well from the rhetoric of the country’s health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who said on Tuesday that “the autism epidemic is ramping.”
Kennedy has repeatedly tried to connect the increase in autism with vaccines. Dozens of studies For decades when such a link could not be established. Nevertheless, the Health Secretary has launched a federal study to revisit the possibilities and hired a well-known skeptical vaccine to oversee its efforts.
Kennedy recently announced efforts by the Department of Health and Human Services to identify “the origin of the epidemic” by September.
“They’re doing this,” said Katherine Lord, a psychologist and autism researcher at the University of California David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles.
Instead, a key part of the increase could be attributed to years of widening diagnosis to capture milder cases, Dr. Lord said, but he also said it could raise awareness of stigma and support services.
Still, she left the possibility that other factors contribute to more children who develop autism. “We can explain a lot of increases, but perhaps not everything,” Dr. Lord said.
“But whatever it is, it’s not a vaccine,” she added.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social interactions, communication, sensory problems, repetitive interest and difficulties in behavior.
The cause remains largely unknown, but researchers believe it has a strong genetic component. “It’s very unlikely that it could be one cause or even a few causes,” Dr. Lord said.
The prevalence of disability has been steadily rising since 2000 when the network first began tracking.
Other trends were evident in new research. White children and children in wealthy socioeconomic regions have long had the highest percentage of autism in the United States, but that trend reversed in 2018.
Since 2020, the proportion of black and Latino children has been known to be autistic, and no longer has any links to wealthy communities found in the data.
The CDC reported a prevalence of 3.7% of black children, 3.3% among Hispanic children, and 3.8% among Asian American children.
Autism has long been associated with juveniles, and the differences that may be linked to genetics are that girls are now diagnosed at a higher rate as they are now increasingly aware of the subtle ways in which disability manifests, often manifesting in teen years.
According to the CDC, autism was 3.8 times higher than that of girls in 2022, down from 3.8 times higher than in 2020.
The data also showed the surprising variability in autism diagnosis by geography from 5.3% of 8-year-olds in California to just 1% to just 1% in Texas.
The availability of specific medical and educational resources increases the likelihood that these children will be identified. For example, California has a program that trains local pediatricians to identify signs of autism at an early age, and a community center that provides autism services.
Pennsylvania, which had the second highest prevalence, has a state Medicaid program that guarantees compensation for children with developmental disabilities regardless of their parents’ income.
Parents now have the ability to communicate with specific friends on Roblox, an online gaming platform popular among children, or restrict children from playing certain games.
This update is part of a series of safety enhancements designed to give parents more control over their child’s experience on the platform.
Starting Wednesday, parents and caregivers who verify their identity through ID or credit card will gain access to three new tools. The Friend Management Tool allows blocking individuals on the child’s friends list, preventing direct messaging with their accounts, and reporting rule-breaking users.
Parents can also adjust the content maturity level of their child’s account, manage their access to games, and view detailed screen time statistics.
Under new online safety regulations, tech companies must address harmful content on their platforms or face substantial fines.
Roblox, the UK’s most popular gaming platform among 8 to 12-year-olds, has faced concerns about bullying, grooming, and exposure to inappropriate content.
Matt Kaufman, Roblox’s chief safety officer, emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, striving to be the world’s safest online platform.
With over 80 million daily players, 40% under the age of 13, Roblox is one of the largest gaming platforms globally, surpassing the combined monthly users of Nintendo Switch and Sony PlayStation.
In the past year, Roblox introduced 40 safety updates, including restrictions on direct messaging for users under 13 and improved voice safety technology.
Andy Burrows, CEO of the Molly Rose Foundation, welcomed the safety improvements but highlighted the ongoing challenges with inappropriate content on Roblox.
He raised concerns about age-inappropriate games and communities on the platform, urging Roblox to address these issues for the safety of younger users.
Last month, Roblox’s co-founder and CEO, David Baszucki, expressed the platform’s focus on user protection and emphasized the importance of parental involvement in deciding whether children should use Roblox.
sWith the introduction of ChatGpt in late 2022, generative artificial intelligence moved from adult users in office settings to college students in campus libraries and even teenagers in high school hallways. As the youngest among us start exploring AI technologies, parents and teachers are grappling with the responsibility of introducing children under 13 to these transformative tools. Though tools like Google’s Gemini and other AI models set age restrictions, many parents and teachers are taking it upon themselves to educate children about AI.
Inspired by stories of parents teaching their children AI skills to prepare them for success in school and beyond, we reached out to Guardian readers to learn how and why others are doing the same. While our original stories focused on parents, we also included responses from teachers, recognizing their role in preparing children for the future.
Some parents and teachers have embraced AI fully, integrating ChatGpt into everyday interactions with children, using it to explain concepts, answer questions, and share imaginative stories. Others approach AI cautiously, limiting its use to controlled settings due to the potential risks it may pose to young users.
On the other hand, some parents and teachers choose not to expose their children to AI at all, expressing concerns about potential harm and ethical implications that remain unresolved. While differing in their approaches, each perspective contributes valuable insights to the ongoing dialogue about AI education.
The responses below have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Parents Explain the World with AI’s Help
I’ve discovered that introducing AI to my children has been an unexpected joy of parenting. Instead of saying “Let’s google,” my 9 year old now asks, “Daddy, can you chat?” when he needs help with homework. He’s learning to seek guidance rather than just answers.
My 6 year old’s endless questions often test my patience. In those moments, AI comes to the rescue, keeping him engaged and imaginative with topics like dinosaurs and space. It’s a mental recharge for me.
With three daughters, we’ve moved from reading princess stories to creating our own imaginative adventures, thanks to AI.
– Matt, Consultant, 44, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
I use AI as an intellectual backup when I can’t answer my kids’ questions. We have AI voice assistants at home and in the car, helping us with random queries and homework tasks. It streamlines our discussions and keeps learning active. However, I caution my kids about the accuracy of AI responses, as they can sometimes be misleading.
– Graham, Writer, Lumberhurst Quarter
I incorporate AI tools into my daily interactions with my 3 year old, using them to explore nature and answer his questions about the world. I encourage his curiosity and engagement while limiting screen time and passive activities.
While AI is a part of our routine, it’s not the sole focus.
– Nate, Data Scientist, East Bay, California.
I’m introducing my eldest to Openai’s ChatGpt, portraying it as a creative assistant for generating ideas and resources. I teach her to approach AI skeptically and not to rely solely on its responses.
– Ben, 47, Entrepreneur, Germany
To showcase AI to my children, I use ChatGPT to generate stories and engage them in critical thinking by analyzing the authenticity of AI-generated content.
I also encourage them to question misleading information and develop a healthy skepticism towards online content.
– David, Software Developer, Ireland
For students struggling with writing, I recommend using AI for sentence-level feedback and grammar explanations, but caution against relying on AI to create complete essays.
– Jenny, English and Drama Teacher, Valencia, Spain
In my household, AI is used sparingly, with the children understanding it as a tool to enhance their learning and curiosity. We emphasize the importance of personal effort and creativity in achieving success.
– Anton, Fintech Director, Geneva
Rather than introducing AI directly, I stimulate my students’ imagination by using AI tools like Adobe Firefly to inspire descriptive writing and Character.ai to bring historical figures to life. I emphasize the creative potential of AI while also highlighting its limitations.
– Angie, Primary Teacher, Tunbridge Wells
I approach AI education as a generative tool, emphasizing its role as an aid rather than a replacement for imagination. By demonstrating AI’s creative capabilities, students learn to use it responsibly while appreciating its limitations.
– Adam, 28, High School Teacher, Christchurch, New Zealand
A study of over 1,500 children suggests that smartphones are beneficial for mental and social well-being unless they begin using social media.
Justin Martin The University of South Florida surveys state children ages 11 to 13. 25 years of national research To explore the link between digital media and happiness.
The researchers found that 78% of the 1,510 children surveyed owned smartphones, and 21% of these reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Children with phones were also more likely to report spending time in person with friends.
“We thought ownership of a smartphone was related to negative outcomes or negative measures,” Martin says. “But it wasn’t.”
The researchers found that children with low-income parents are more likely to own smartphones than children with rich parents. The highest prevalence of 87% smartphone ownership was found in children living in households collected between $50,000 and $90,000, while only 67% of children in households who own smartphones over $150,000 have a smartphone.
Martin suggests that this may reflect the school policies that children attended, in response to a greater awareness of negative headlines about the supposed risks of social media affecting their mental health.
But such a ban — Florida was the first US state to introduce in 2023 — could be in a volatile scientific position, Martin says. “We were careful to emphasize associations rather than causality, but children with smartphones probably use them for social purposes and like many adults,” he says.
However, not all smartphone use is a benefit of dirt. The researchers also found that children who said they were often posted on social media were twice as likely to report sleep problems or symptoms of depression or anxiety compared to people who never use these platforms. That said, the study failed to determine whether increased use of social media has led to mental health and sleep problems, or whether the opposite is true, says Martin.
“We recommend that parents and adults consider protecting their children from the social platforms that their children post frequently, or try to avoid posting on social platforms,” says Martin. “Of course, it’s hard to tell your kids. ‘You can use Instagram. You can use Tiktok, but don’t post it.” ”
Children surveyed are evenly divided on the merits of social media, with 34% agreeing that social media is more harmful than good, 33% disagreeing, and the rest are undecided about the issue.
“This is an attractive study that makes an important distinction, especially between smartphones and social media,” he says. Jess Maddox At the University of Alabama. “These two are synonyms for each other, but this study shows that they are not actually the same.”
“These are truly subtle findings and we hope that parents, educators and politicians will not be banned, but will encourage them to think more about their children’s education on smartphones and social media,” she says.
David Ellis At Bath University in the UK, this work confirms similar findings from previous studies, but understanding more work to understand what the data is directing us before deciding what to do about children’s smartphone use is that “the lack of analysis will strengthen conclusions that are more difficult to justify policy changes.”
As children grow, they grow in many ways. Children make mental progress in how they feel, think and act – what scientists call them Cognitive Control. Researchers view creativity, fluid inference, and academic achievement as part of human cognitive control. They found that people with good cognitive control also improve mental health. However, scientists still don't know the best type of training to help children develop cognitive control.
Previous researchers found that training can improve cognitive functions such as working memory in children. However, they have not decided whether the same training improves the child's associated function or overall cognitive control. Therefore, an international team of researchers recently investigated whether improving one cognitive function helped improve overall cognitive control in children.
They focus on specific cognitive functions that have not been studied more thoroughly than others; Response inhibition. Response suppression is the ability of a person to stop himself from responding to a previously responded queue. They wanted to test how long it took to suppress training responses to affect other cognitive functions in children, such as creativity and reasoning.
The researchers explained that previous researchers studying cognitive control in children found conflicting results. Some found that training children with response suppression increased overall cognitive control, while others found that training skills only improved. The team proposed that the methodological problems of previous researchers had contradictory results. Therefore, they sought to address these issues by clearly defining how children train, making training schedules unpredictable and attractive, and testing larger groups of children than in previous studies.
The researchers studied 235 children aged 6 to 13 from the Great London region of England. They divided the children into two groups, 119 and 116. They introduced both groups of children to a series of seven different computer games that they attended over eight weeks.
During the video game, the children sailed around the island picking up coins. Their goal was to win as many coins as possible. The first group of 119 children received training in response suppression. This means that you have received the coin after you have stopped performing the requested action. The other 116 children served as control groups. This means that you've been in the same game.
To determine how children's cognitive skills change throughout the experiment, researchers collect self-reports from children, perform standardized skill tests, and take neuroimaging of the brain to physiology. We have confirmed the changes. These data were collected before, immediately after the experiment, and 1 year later.
Researchers found that trained children had better response suppression than non-sex children, but they found that overall cognitive control was not good. For example, they found that trained children did not have test results to show that their academic performance improved over their children in the control group. They also found that brain imaging showed no physiological differences between the two children's groups. The researchers interpreted these results as meaning that response inhibition training did not improve overall cognitive control in children.
Researchers concluded that training children with a single cognitive skill does not improve overall cognitive control. However, they acknowledged that the sample of children participating in this study was from families with above average socioeconomic status and thus may not be representative of lower social classes. Ta. Anyway, they recommended that future researchers look for alternative ways to promote the development of cognitive control in children.
wHEN Congress was postponed to the holiday in December. This is a groundbreaking bill aimed at overhauling how technology companies protect the youngest users. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) introduced in 2022 was intended to be a massive calculation for Big Tech. Instead, the bill waned and died in the House despite sailing through the Senate in July with a 91-3 vote.
Kosa is passionately defended by families who say children have fallen victim to the harmful policies of social media platforms, and advocates who say bills that curb the unidentified power of big technology have been postponed for a long time is. They are seriously disappointed that a strong chance to check out Big Technology has failed due to Congress' indifference. However, human rights groups argued that the law could have led to unintended consequences that impacted freedom of speech online.
What is the Kids Online Safety Act?
Kosa was introduced nearly three years ago in the aftermath of a bomb revelation by former Facebook employee Frances Haugen, and the extent to which the social media platform's impact on younger users. Platforms like Instagram and Tiktok would have required that children be affected through design changes and address online risks to allow younger users to opt out of algorithmic recommendations.
“This is a basic product praise bill,” said Alix Fraser, director of the Council on Responsible Social Media Issues. “It's complicated because the internet is complex and social media is complex, but essentially it's just an effort to create basic product driving standards for these companies.”
The central and controversial element of the bill is its “duty of care” clause, declaring that businesses “have an obligation to use the platform to act in the best interests of minors,” and the regulatory authority It has declared it open to interpretation by They would have also requested that the platform implement measures to reduce harm by establishing “safeguards for minors.”
Critics argued that the lack of clear guidance on what constitutes harmful content encourages businesses to filter content more aggressively, resulting in unintended consequences for free speech. Delicate but important topics such as gun violence and racial justice can be considered potentially harmful and may subsequently be ruled out by the corporation itself. These censorship concerns are particularly prominent in the LGBTQ+ community, saying that opponents of the Kosa could be disproportionately affected by conservative regulators and reduce access to critical resources.
“Using Kosas we see a truly intentional but ultimately ambiguous bill that requires online services to adopt online services to take unspecified actions to keep children safe. A policy analyst at the Center for Democracy Technology, who opposes the law and receives money from technology donors such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.
The complex history of the Kosa
When the bill was first introduced, over 90 human rights groups signed letters against it, highlighting these and other concerns. In response to such criticism, the bill's author published a revision in February 2024. Most notably, the state attorney general changed the enforcement of its “duty of care” provisions to the Federal Trade Commission. Following these changes, many organizations, including the Glaad, the Human Rights Campaign and the Trevor project, have withdrawn their opposition, saying the amendments “significantly reduce the risk of the matter.” [Kosa] It has been misused to suppress LGBTQ+ resources and to curb young people's access to online communities. ”
However, other civil rights groups have maintained their opposition, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), the ACLU and the future battle, calling Kosa a “censorship bill” that harms vulnerable users and freedom of speech. They argued that the duty-of-care provision could easily be weaponized by conservative FTC chairmen against LGBTQ+ youth, as well as the state attorney general. These concerns are reflected in the appointment of Republican Andrew Ferguson, Trump's FTC chairman; Who said in the leaked statement He had planned to use his role to “fight the trans agenda.”
Concerns about how Ferguson will manage online content are “what LGBTQ youth wrote and called Congress hundreds of times over the past few years in this fight,” says Saraphilips of the Future Fight. Ta. “The situation they were afraid of has come to fruition. Anyone who ignores it is really just putting their heads in the sand.”
Opponents say that even if KOSA doesn't pass, they've already achieved a calm effect on content available on certain platforms. recently Report User MAG has found that hashtags for LGBTQ+-related topics are classified as “sensitive content” and are restricted from search. Laws like Kosa, Bhatia of the Center for Democracy Technology, said it doesn't take into account the complexity of the online landscape, and it's likely that the platform will lead preemptive censorship to avoid litigation.
“Children's safety holds an interesting and paradoxical position in technology policy, where children benefit greatly from the internet, as well as vulnerable actors,” she said. . “Using policy blunt instruments to protect them can often lead to consequences that don't really take this into consideration.”
Supporters will make backlash at Kosa an aggressive lobbying from the tech industry, but fight for the future – two top opponents – EFF will be supported by large tech donors Not there. Meanwhile, the large tech companies have been split up by KOSA, with X, SNAP, Microsoft and Pinterest quietly supporting the bill, Meta and Google.
“The Kosa was a very robust law, but what's more robust is the power of big technology,” Fraser is the power of problem 1. “They hired all the lobbyists in town to take it down, and they succeeded with it.”
Fraser added that supporters are disappointed that Kosa didn't pass, but “will not take a break until federal law is passed to protect children online.”
Potential revival of Kosa
Besides Ferguson as FTC Chairman, it is unclear what the changing composition of the new Trump administration and Congress will mean for the future of Kosa. Trump has not directly expressed his views on Kosa, but some of his close circles are Revealed support After last minute amendments to the 2024 bill Promoted by Elon Musk's X.
The death of the Congress in Kosa may seem like the end of a winding and controversial path, but defenders on both sides of the fight say it's too early to write legislative obituaries.
“We shouldn't expect the Kosa to go quietly,” said Prem Trivedi, policy director at the Institute for Open Technology, which opposes Kosa. “Whether it's being reintroduced or seeing if a different incarnation is introduced, it will continue to focus more broadly on online safety for children.”
Senator Richard Blumental, who co-authored the bill with Senator Marsha Blackburn, has promised to reintroduce it in future legislative sessions, and other defenders of the bill say they won't give It’s.
“I want to talk about the worst days of their lives over and over again, in front of lawmakers, in front of staff, in front of the press, knowing something is known. I've worked with a lot of parents who think that, and to change,” Fraser said. “They don't intend to stop.”
Children who used paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, during their mother’s pregnancy, are more likely to develop ADHD than those whose mothers do not, suggesting small studies. Although inconclusive, this finding gives weight to the contested idea that widely used painkillers can affect fetal brain development.
Previous studies on paracetamol and neurodevelopmental conditions provide conflicting findings. For example, a 2019 study linking over 4,700 children and their mothers with their mothers to use painkillers during pregnancy There is a 20% higher risk Children developing ADHD. However, the analysis presented by nearly 2.5 million children last year There is no such connection When comparing siblings who were exposed or not to paracetamol before birth.
One problem is that most of these studies rely on self-reported medication use. This is a serious limitation as you may not remember taking paracetamol during pregnancy. For example, only 7% of participants in the 2019 study reported using paracetamol during pregnancy. It's well below the 50% seen in other studies. “A lot of people take it [paracetamol] Without knowing that” Brennan Baker At Washington University in Seattle. “It could be the active ingredient in some of the cold medicines you're using, and you don't necessarily know.”
So Baker and his colleagues used more accurate metrics instead. They looked for medication markers in blood samples collected from 307 women. They were all black and lived in Tennessee in the late pregnancy. None of them were taking medication due to chronic illnesses and were unaware of the complications of pregnancy. The researchers then followed up with participants when the child was 8 to 10 years old. In the US, Approximately 8% of children I have ADHD between the ages of 5 and 11.
On average, children whose mothers had a marker of paracetamol in their blood were three times more likely than children born to mothers, even after adjusting for factors such as mother's age and body mass index before pregnancy. There was a possibility (BMI), mental health status among close relatives of socioeconomic status and mental health. This suggests that using paracetamol during pregnancy may increase the risk of developing ADHD in children.
However, it is also possible that the actual factor that increases your risk of ADHD is not the drug itself, but the first thing you will be taking paracetamol. “They couldn't explain anything like the reason why their mother took it. [paracetamol]”It has been found to be risk factors for adverse development in children, such as headaches, fever, pain and infectious diseases.” Viktor Ahlqvist At the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.
But Baker believes that it is the drugs that are responsible. Subsequent analysis of tissue samples from 174 of participants' placenta showed that people using paracetamol have different metabolic and immune system changes. These changes are similar to those seen in studies testing the effects of paracetamol in pregnant animals without infection or underlying health conditions.
“I think the fact that we see immune upregulation in animal models also really strengthens the causal case,” Baker says. “There are many previous studies showing that elevated immune activation during pregnancy is linked to adverse neurodevelopment.”
Yet these findings are far from conclusive. For one thing, the study included a small number of participants, all black and lived in the same city, limiting the generalization of the findings. Another case, it measured only the blood markers of paracetamol at one moment. These markers have stuck for about three days, so the study probably captured more frequent users, and may have a dose-dependent effect, says Baker.
“[Paracetamol] Now is the first-line treatment option for pain and fever during pregnancy,” says Baker. “But I think I'm an agency [US Food and Drug Administration] In addition, various obstetric and gynecological associations should continuously review all available research and update their guidance. ”
Meanwhile, if it's unclear whether to take paracetamol during pregnancy, people should talk to their doctor, Baker says.
Despite the availability of affordable cell phones, parents have new ways to stay connected with their children. However, this development has also sparked debates on screen time, safety, and social media.
As worries about phone usage rise and the age at which children get their first mobile phone decreases, countries worldwide are considering ways to address this issue in schools and homes.
While there’s no single solution, various action plans and suggestions are being explored, ranging from strict laws to grassroots initiatives.
Our correspondent delves into some of the noteworthy solutions to screen time as Australia and Spain gear up to implement stringent laws to combat the problem.
Australia: “Ensuring our children have a good childhood.”
In a significant move, Australia recently passed a law prohibiting social media use for under-16s, although specifics regarding its implementation and application are unclear.
While some Australian states already ban mobile phones in schools, a new federal ban aims to completely restrict social media usage for children under 16 by year-end. The law grants the communications minister authority to determine which platforms are restricted, likely including Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
YouTube is expected to be exempt due to its claimed educational benefits.
The legislation mandates platforms to verify users’ ages and take necessary steps to ensure compliance, with penalties of up to A$50m for non-compliance. Trials for age verification technology are ongoing, including facial age estimation and other authentication methods.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the ban aims to offer children “a childhood”, encouraging them to engage in outdoor activities and sports instead of being glued to their phones.
Josh Taylor, Melbourne
Spain: “You can use ours.”
Spain’s government is proposing a bill to raise the minimum age for social media account registration from 14 to 16, along with mandatory age verification measures for tech companies.
Additionally, the bill suggests default parental controls on smartphones and a national education campaign to educate children and teens on responsible social media usage.
An expert panel has recommended including warning labels on digital devices sold in Spain to inform consumers of the health risks associated with social media and technology.
In Barcelona’s Poblenou district, parents initiated a campaign to delay children’s access to mobile phones until age 16. This movement quickly spread across Catalonia, emphasizing the importance of holding off on phone ownership until a later age.
Major project spokesperson Nuria González Rojas noted the significant impact of delaying mobile phone ownership, with over 72% of Spanish children owning smartphones by age 12.
In another initiative, Basque parents’ organization Archa Brua is piloting schemes to delay mobile phone ownership with support from schools, families, and local businesses.
Sam Jones, Madrid
France: “Take back control of your screen”
French President Emmanuel Macron commissioned a report urging a reassessment of screen usage to safeguard children’s well-being and democracy’s future.
The report advocates for delaying smartphone usage until age 13, restricting access to social media until 18, and banning mobile phones with internet access until after school hours.
Experts stress the need to shield children from profit-focused tech influences due to adverse effects on vision, sleep, and overall health.
Macron urges ministers to consider and implement the report’s recommendations.
Angelique Chrysafis (Paris)
Italy: school ban
Italy has issued a blanket ban on smartphones and tablets in primary and middle school classrooms, citing disruptive incidents like physical altercations between students and teachers.
Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara supports efforts to ban mobile phones for children under 14 and social media profiles for those under 16.
Angela Giuffrida (Rome)
Germany: “The longer we can delay children from using smartphones, the better.”
German schools can’t outright ban cellphones, but restrictions on their use in classrooms and during breaks are in place.
Efforts to enhance digital literacy among youth are encouraged, with calls in some regions for total bans on mobile phones in elementary schools.
Pediatric experts advocate delaying smartphone ownership until age 11 to protect children’s development, noting adverse effects on mental health and well-being from early exposure to social media.
Despite concerns surrounding smartphones, Germany’s decentralized governance system means a national policy remains elusive.
Britain’s Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has reached out to video-sharing platforms like YouTube and TikTok, urging them to prioritize the promotion of high-quality educational content for children.
Recent data indicates a substantial shift in children’s viewing habits, with a significant decrease in TV consumption over the past decade. Instead, children, aged between 4 and 8, are increasingly turning to platforms like YouTube and TikTok for entertainment, according to Nandy.
During an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Nandy mentioned the government’s intention to engage in dialogue with these platforms initially, but warned of potential interventions if they do not respond positively.
She emphasized the importance of the high-quality educational content produced in the UK, which plays a crucial role in informing children about the world, supporting their mental well-being and development, and providing entertainment. However, she expressed concerns about the lack of similar quality in content on video-sharing platforms compared to traditional broadcasters.
Former BBC presenter Floella Benjamin, acting as a guest editor on the show, described these platforms as a “wild west” filled with inappropriate content.
Nandy highlighted the government’s efforts to remove harmful content for children and stressed the need to address deeper issues related to the quality of content children consume.
She acknowledged the democratic nature of platforms like YouTube, where individuals can build careers from home, but also emphasized the responsibility to ensure the content is appropriate for young viewers.
Regarding the decrease in funding for children’s television, Nandy mentioned the Young Audiences Content Fund as a positive initiative to boost production. She believed that increasing investment might not be the solution, as the focus should be on reaching all children, including those who do not watch traditional TV.
Despite concerns raised by Benjamin about a crisis in children’s television, Nandy praised the sector as a valuable asset for Britain, from networks like CBeebies to beloved shows like Peppa Pig. She emphasized the government’s role in supporting and nurturing this content, even if it may not be highly profitable.
Nandy admitted the challenges of monitoring her own son’s online activities but commended the platform’s filtering mechanisms and highlighted the positive influence of educational content like news programs.
Nandy confirmed contacting Ofcom to elevate the importance of children’s television in their regulatory considerations and urged a review of public broadcasting, anticipated in the summer.
She stressed the necessity of balancing the influx of investment from platforms like Netflix and Disney with preserving and promoting uniquely British content without overshadowing it.
This involves forming partnerships with public broadcasters to expand online content availability and ensure adequate recognition and support for their contributions, as per Nandy’s statements.
Norway has set a strict minimum age limit of 15 for social media in its efforts to combat tech companies that are deemed harmful to young children’s mental development.
Prime Minister Jonas Gare Stoer of Norway acknowledged the challenges ahead in this battle but emphasized the need for politicians to intervene to shield children from the influence of algorithms.
The utilization of social media platforms by the industry has been criticized for potentially causing users to become fixated and unstable.
Despite Scandinavian countries already having a minimum age limit of 13, a significant percentage of younger children still access social media, as highlighted by a survey by the Norwegian Media Authority.
The government has pledged to implement additional safeguards to prevent children from bypassing age restrictions, including revisions to personal data laws mandating a minimum age of 15 for consenting to personal data processing on social media platforms and the development of age verification barriers.
Emphasizing the need for protection of children from harmful content on social media, the prime minister spoke of the powerful impact that tech companies can have on young minds. He acknowledged the formidable challenge ahead but stressed the essential role of politics in addressing this issue.
While recognizing the potential benefits of social media in fostering community for isolated children, he cautioned against excessive reliance on algorithms for self-expression, citing the risk of becoming overly focused and detached.
Minister for Children and Families Gjersti Toppe engaged with parents in Stavanger to advocate for stricter online regulations for children as a means of supporting parental decisions in safeguarding their children’s online activities.
The government is exploring methods to enforce restrictions without infringing on human rights, such as potentially requiring bank account information.
Australia has also proposed a social media ban for teenagers and children, with the age limit likely to fall between 14 to 16 years old.
France is currently testing a ban on mobile phone usage in schools for students up to 15 years old, with plans for potential nationwide implementation from January pending the trial’s success.
What effect might it have on adolescents and young children to see the positive expressions on the faces of strangers eating raw broccoli?
Katie Edwards of Aston University in the UK, along with colleagues from the same university and the University of Birmingham, also in the UK, set out to find out.
There's no need to mince words about what they found: in their own words, “Contrary to our hypothesis, the facial expression of the model while eating broccoli did not significantly affect their initial willingness to try it.”
Circle of Life
In the 1960s, young intellectuals in the West encouraged each other to adopt the philosophy and path of Zen Buddhism. They were encouraged to “walk the Zen path” and “become one with the universe” in order to live a thoughtful, wise and good life.
Sixty years later, thinking and conversation have advanced.
No alternative to this has been widely adopted in the West in the 2020s, but feedback suggests a Venn diagram.
Like Zen, Venn diagrams aim to provide a simpler understanding of seemingly complex things. Venn diagram masters might describe the practice like this: Venn diagrams use overlapping circles or similar shapes to show logical relationships between different types of items.
Adopt the philosophy and method of the Venn diagram. Recognize and nurture the overlaps in your life. Draw a Venn diagram of the characteristics of all the people, places, and things in your life from birth to the present. The Venn diagram overlaps will reveal commonalities. Embrace them. Identify with the few.
Ven, let's go.
The talent for titration
Psychics, whether trivial or not, have a reputation for being either you get it all or you get nothing. John Hancock tells Feedback about an exception to that, perhaps a partial exception:
He says, “I can consistently pour almost half a 339ml bottle of beer so that the height of the beer in two identical glasses is within 1mm, 2mm at most. I can do this in one go, unassisted, and I seem to know when to stop pouring.”
(Feedback: The name Hancock is well known to Americans. On January 4, 1776, the late John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence, a document that egged on Britain. Hancock wrote it in such large, bold letters that his name became synonymous with “a man's handwritten signature.” In the U.S., people still say “Sign John Hancock.” The late John Hancock, unlike today's John Hancock, hated doing things by halves.)
Questionable discomfort
A recent addition to Feedback's collection is called “The Title Tells You Everything You Need to Know.”
“The pain one may experience when executed in various ways” probably came as a surprise to magazine readers. Sensing It was published in 1993, and in 1997 Harold Hillman of the University of Surrey in the UK was awarded the Ig Nobel Peace Prize.
If you've come across similarly impressive examples, please submit them to Telltale titles, c/o Feedback, along with citation details.
Teflon Diet
Teflon, prized as a “non-stick” coating for frying pans and other cookware, may become a common additive to foods, especially in weight-control diets.
The 2016 paper has an intelligent and intriguing title:Consuming polytetrafluoroethylene is a way to increase food volume and feel full without increasing calorie content.“US authors Rotem Naftalovich, Daniel Naftalovich and Frank Greenway explain that polytetrafluoroethylene (also known as PTFE or Teflon) is a plastic. They claim its benefits: “Animal feeding studies showed that rats fed a diet of 25% PTFE for 90 days showed no signs of toxicity and lost weight.”
They further hypothesized that “incorporating PTFE powder into foods (1 part food to 1 part PTFE) and increasing the portion size of the food would significantly increase satiety and decrease caloric intake.”
Polytetrafluoroethylene “does not impart flavor (as evidenced by its use in tongue piercings) and therefore does not affect the taste of food,” they write, and is “highly inert, meaning it does not react with food in the body.”
This makes it an “ideal ingredient to use as a bulking agent for foods that are not metabolized” and can be used in foods that don't make you feel stuffed.
Do you have a story for feedback? Send it to feedback@newscientist.com or New Scientist, 9 Derry Street, London, W8 5HY. Review of mailed items is delayed
You can submit articles for Feedback by emailing feedback@newscientist.com. Please include your home address. This week's and past Feedback can be found on our website.
A warning from Britain’s largest mobile phone operator advises parents against giving smartphones to primary school children. EE recommends supplying children under 11 with old-fashioned or “dumb” mobile phones that only have calling and texting capabilities.
EE suggests using non-smart devices for children under 11 to limit access to social media and inappropriate content, such as feature phones with basic features.
This advice from EE is believed to be the first of its kind from a UK mobile operator and comes as parents face pressure to buy mobile phones for their children as the new school year begins.
Statistics show that by the age of 11, nine out of ten children own a mobile phone, and 60% of 8 to 12-year-olds have social media profiles despite age restrictions on social media platforms. Ofcom reports.
Ofcom’s findings also reveal that three in five secondary school students have faced potentially upsetting online interactions.
Calls for a ban on smartphones for under-16s and restrictions on mobile phone use in schools have been made by education councillors due to the negative effects of excessive screen time on children’s health.
EE also recommends that smartphone users aged 11 to 13 enable parental controls, use family sharing apps, and restrict access to social media.
For children aged 13 to 16, EE’s guidelines state that smartphones are suitable but parental controls should be used to manage and limit access to inappropriate sites, content, and platforms.
Carolyn Bunting, the chief executive of child safety group Internet Matters, acknowledges that parents want to make decisions regarding their children’s technology use but also value guidance to assist them.
The impact of the long corona pandemic appears to vary by age
Damir Cudic/Getty Images
Symptoms of long COVID appear to be very different in young children and adolescents, and a better understanding of how the symptoms manifest could aid in diagnosis.
So far, most research on long-COVID has focused on adults, in part because of a “misconception that children can't get long-COVID,” he said. Rachel Gross At New York University.
Gross and his colleagues are currently following 751 children ages 6 to 11 and 3,109 children ages 12 to 17 whose parents say they had previously been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The researchers defined long COVID as having at least one symptom that lasted more than a month, started or worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, and was present at the time of the study.
Among young children, these symptoms primarily included sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, and abdominal problems such as pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
The symptoms were uncommon among about 150 children of the same age who had not previously been infected, and were confirmed by the absence of antibodies against the virus in their blood samples.
In contrast, symptoms in the 1,300 uninfected young people typically included pain, fatigue and loss of smell or taste.
It's unclear why symptoms differ across different age groups, but Gross said it could be due to differences in hormones or immune systems, or that teenagers may simply be better able to vocalize their symptoms than younger kids. Danilo Buoncenzo A study from the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, Italy. For example, a teenager may complain of fatigue, but a caregiver may only notice lingering symptoms in a younger child when they vomit.
Armed with this data, the researchers developed a score that ranks how likely a young person's symptoms are to have long-Covid. Currently, diagnosis depends on doctors ruling out other illnesses and recognizing that long-Covid can take many different forms. “Doctors would prefer a score or more objective criteria. Such a tool would definitely help clinicians at least recognize that a child may have long-Covid,” Buoncenso said.
I'm an only child. Saying this can sometimes feel like a confession, especially when people well-meaningly respond with, “Oh, you don't see it that way!” Now, as the mother of a preschooler, I watch my daughter live with the same assumption. “Does she have any brothers or sisters?” a teacher asked recently. “She plays so well with the other kids!”
Forgive me if it seems like I am bragging about my (or my daughter's) actions. I am an only child, after all.
For over a century, we have been deemed eccentric at best, antisocial, neurotic, and narcissistic at worst. “To be an only child is a disease in itself,” declared the 19th-century child psychologist Granville Stanley Hall.
Whether there are real differences in the personality and happiness of only children and those with siblings remains a controversial issue, one that has received new impetus from the growing trend towards only-child parenting.
Eva Beaujouin, a demographer at the University of Vienna in Austria, says that in high-income countries including the United States and Britain, one-child families have become more common since the 1970s, “whether by force or choice.” In Europe, almost half of all households with children have an only child.
Despite their increasing popularity, one-child families continue to face long-held beliefs that this family form is somehow harmful. Fortunately, a closer look at modern research offers some clarity, suggesting that being an only child can have surprising consequences. The findings may offer some relief to parents of only children, or those still unsure of how many children they should have…
Reconstruction of a Neanderthal man at the Natural History Museum in Vienna, Austria
Neanderthal/Alamy Stock Photo
If the interpretation of the fossilized ear bones is correct, Neanderthal children with Down’s syndrome lived to at least the age of 6. The discovery adds to evidence that, far from being savage and heartless, Neanderthals routinely showed consideration for other members of their society, although researchers disagree about the extent to which children might have needed special attention.
“Neanderthals clearly cared about the people in their group, and this is a really great example of how much they cared.” Penny Spikins He is a researcher at the University of York in the UK, but was not involved in the study.
The Neanderthal fossils were found in the Cova Negra cave near the town of Xativa in eastern Spain, which has been excavated intermittently since the 1920s and reveals that Neanderthals lived there between 273,000 and 146,000 years ago.
Researchers cataloguing the animal remains at Cova Negra Mercedes Conde Valverde Researchers from the University of Alcala in Spain have identified a hominid bone fragment, which cannot be dated precisely because it was found in disturbed sediments, that includes part of the temporal bone at the side and base of the skull, as well as part of the inner ear.
Conde-Valverde and her colleagues used CT scans to create a 3D model of the bone, which allowed them to determine that it was from a Neanderthal, not a modern human: Judging by the state of bone development, the bone belonged to a child at least 6 years old, and possibly no older than 10.
The team found several peculiarities in the development of the inner ear, particularly in the three canals called the semicircular canals that are involved in hearing and balance. One of the canals was abnormally wide. The other connected to an adjacent chamber called the vestibular aqueduct, which is normally separate. What’s more, the cochlea, which is crucial for hearing, was particularly small.
According to Conde Valverde, this combination of characteristics is only seen in people with Down syndrome, a genetic condition in which people have three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two. The condition can cause learning disabilities, hearing and balance problems, and distinctive facial features.
It has probably been around for as long as humans, according to a study of ancient DNA published in February. 6 cases of Down Syndrome They are found in babies and young children, and one of them dates back nearly 5,000 years.
The newly identified child would have needed more care than other Neanderthal children, Conde Valverde said — for example, attacks of dizziness, a symptom of Down syndrome, may have made it difficult for him to get from place to place.
“Maybe mothers need help,” she says, because the increased time required for childcare can take away from other important activities, like finding food, not just for mothers but also for fathers.
Conde Valverde says that other Neanderthals in the group would not have expected the child to be of practical help, so they must have cared for him out of pure compassion.
Sarah Turner A Down syndrome researcher at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, believes this low expectation isn’t necessarily true: “People with Down syndrome contribute in many different ways to modern human societies,” she says, “and I’m sure that was true in Neanderthal societies as well.”
Neanderthal temporal bone fossil discovered in Cova Negra, Spain
Julia Diez Valero
“There’s a lot of diversity in what counts as a disability and how disabled people are treated in different relationships,” Turner says. “Compassion may be one motivating factor, but without knowing someone’s life and how they were treated and behaved, I don’t think you can say much about how and why they survived.”
Turner has previously studied wild primates. Can survive for a long time Even if they are born with a disability or developmental disorder. This includes: What is thought to be Down SyndromeThe mother survived as long as her older daughter had her help, but died after the daughter gave birth to a baby and was no longer able to help.
This new study: Neanderthal care and compassionFor example, Spikins says, an adult male Neanderthal found in Iraq’s Shanidar Cave had atrophied arms and damaged legs and was “probably deaf and blind in one eye. He lived 10 to 15 years after these injuries, so “he must have been well cared for.”
Both Conde Valverde and Spikins reject the idea that caregiving was carried out in the hope that help would come when the children grew up.
“The idea of analytically thinking about whether someone is going to be productive comes from our society,” Spikins says. The reality is, we evolved to live in close-knit groups, The instinct to care for one another It was very important. People with Down syndrome “tend to be very loving and very outgoing,” she says, “and that’s very important in a small community like this.”
“Let’s take cell phones out of schools.” “Social media is harmful to teens.”
Such messages are being broadcast around the world and appear to have reached a peak in recent days. In the UK, concerns about the harms of social media and screen time have led to Smartphone Free Children Campaign A government crackdown on smartphone use in schools has also begun, and ministers are considering banning the sale of smartphones to anyone under 16. Meanwhile, in the United States, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy this week called for social media platforms to require cigarette-style warning labels.
More than 40% of American children own a smartphone by age 10, and the concern is Excessive screen use can lead to health problemsThese include obesity, sleep disorders, depression and anxiety.
Certainly, some studies have documented this link, but as we explain in our feature, The Truth About How Social Media and Screen Time Affect Young People, the evidence that screen time causes widespread harm to children is not as strong or clear as some claim.
While we figure out the details, we must protect our children, especially those who are most vulnerable to the harmful influences of smartphones and social media. But depriving them entirely would be the wrong move.
The smarter approach is to give children access, even from an early age, in a controlled and measured way.
Imagine what a smartphone utopia might look like: It would be done in stages: instead of giving kids access to the entire internet at first, we’d allow them access to walled gardens, like kid-friendly TV channels.
In such a world, we would allow limited messaging with strict moderation that loosens with age, the system would allow parents access that diminishes over time, and all of this would be combined with ongoing digital literacy classes.
Smartphones, social media, and screens will continue to be a part of our children’s lives, no matter how many warning labels they carry, and now is the time to think seriously about how we give our kids the tools they need to navigate the realities of growing up online.
It has been recognized for many years that smoking is extremely detrimental to health, and stopping smoking or avoiding it altogether is one of the most effective ways to safeguard one’s well-being.
Increased tobacco taxes, graphic warnings on packaging, workplace smoking bans, and the discontinuation of glamorous tobacco advertising campaigns have all contributed to the decline in smoking rates.
Nevertheless, nicotine addiction remains a thriving industry. Instead of fading away, the tobacco industry has introduced a new array of products aimed primarily at young individuals: flavored disposable e-cigarettes, heat-not-burn products, and the latest novelty item, nicotine pouches.
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Nicotine pouches are typically packaged in small round containers that are convenient to carry around. The pouches resemble small tea bags and contain vegetable fiber, sugar, flavorings, and, of course, nicotine.
Nicotine can be synthetically produced or directly extracted from the tobacco plant. These pouches come in various flavors, from fruity and berry to sweet and cocktail, and they offer different levels of nicotine strength, with some pouches having higher nicotine content than regular cigarettes.
The small pouch is placed between the lips and gums to absorb the nicotine in the mouth. After absorption, the pouch is discarded and replaced with a new one. These pouches are discreet, have a pleasant smell, and unlike oral tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco, they don’t require spitting like in movies depicting the old West.
While relatively new in the market, these pouches are similar to Scandinavian “snus” – yet snus contains tobacco while pouches do not. This difference is vital as pouches often evade regulations, bypassing laws and rules that govern tobacco products and cigarettes.
This lack of regulation means that, unlike cigarettes, pouches can legally be sold to individuals under 18 in the UK. Other countries, like the US, are already taking steps to ban or restrict the sale of pouches to adults only.
What do we know about the health risks of pouches?
Although nicotine pouches are gaining popularity worldwide, there is limited data on their health risks due to their recent introduction. However, the World Health Organization advocates a precautionary approach by prioritizing nicotine whenever the sale and promotion of nicotine pouches are permitted. The health of young people.
Using pouches exposes individuals to toxic nicotine, can lead to addiction, and may encourage the use of other products like e-cigarettes or cigarettes.
In addition to addiction, nicotine has effects on adolescent brain development, impacting learning outcomes. High nicotine doses can induce symptoms like dizziness, headaches, nausea, and abdominal cramps, particularly in those new to nicotine exposure.
It may be tempting to compare the health effects of nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products to determine which is “safer.” However, 85% of the UK population never smokes, and young individuals who have never smoked and never will not derive any health benefits from starting to use pouches.
At present, there is no evidence to suggest that pouches aid in smoking or vaping cessation. Instead of helping users quit smoking, individuals may resort to using pouches in situations where smoking or vaping is not feasible, such as during flights, at school, or work, resulting in increased nicotine consumption.
The global tobacco industry, dominated by a few multinational corporations, including British American Tobacco and Philip Morris International, produces and markets nicotine pouches. Using tactics reminiscent of old cigarette advertisements, pouches are promoted through motorsports, celebrity endorsements, and various lifestyle marketing approaches.
The tobacco industry is skilled at dangerous marketing. With addictive nicotine products widely available to young individuals and minimal regulation in the advertising and sale of pouches, there is a real risk of a surge in pouch use and nicotine addiction among young people.
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