Tag Archives: relief

Workers in Amazon Warehouses in Saudi Arabia Await Financial Relief: ‘We Demand Justice’

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Asian warehouse employees report that Amazon, recognized as the world’s second-largest employer, has failed to fulfill its commitment to compensate them for financial exploitation tied to the operations of Saudi online retailers.

In 2023, Amazon announced it would refund recruitment fees to Asian contract workers who were compelled to pay substantial amounts to secure jobs in the warehouses of Saudi companies. Since then, the company has disbursed over $2.6 million in compensation to approximately 950 workers from various nations.

However, two years later, numerous immigrants are still awaiting reimbursement of their recruitment fees, with uncertain prospects for financial relief. Of the 67 workers interviewed by the Guardian, 36 indicated they had yet to receive payments from Amazon, despite having paid significant fees to gain employment in the company’s Saudi Arabian operations.

“I want to tell Amazon: If you intend to repay your debt, do it now,” stated Rameshwar Sharma, a worker from Nepal, who reported not having received any compensation. “Don’t treat us like fools. We are not begging. We seek justice.”

In a statement, Amazon spokesperson Margaret Callahan remarked that the company was “working swiftly and diligently to identify individuals entitled to reimbursement for employment costs incurred at third-party vendors that violated supply chain standards.”

She further noted that “we are aware that our work is not complete,” and that Amazon will “persist in issuing refunds as swiftly as possible.”

Labor rights advocates from Amnesty International, a human rights organization that scrutinized Amazon’s labor practices in Saudi Arabia, condemned the delays in processing worker payments as unacceptable.

“Too many individuals are still in limbo, and every delay prolongs their suffering,” commented Ella Knight from Amnesty International. “For one of the wealthiest companies globally, the sum involved is a mere drop in the ocean. However, for workers, timely justice can transform lives.”

Amazon, she insisted, “must act promptly to uphold its full human rights responsibilities.”

Some of the workers interviewed expressed concerns that the issue extends beyond mere delays. They reported being deemed ineligible for payments despite having paid substantial recruitment fees and having worked in Amazon’s Saudi Arabian operations.

Mithra Lal Sapkota, a Nepali worker, mentioned that he was informed he would not be refunded because his employment with Amazon ended in October 2023. Impactt staff, acting as Amazon’s intermediaries for compensation, left messages for Nepali workers stating that payments were only for those who ended their employment with Amazon in 2023 or later.

“Why are dates so crucial to them?” questioned Mithra Lal Sapkota. Impactt informed him that his job at Amazon ended in 2022, making him ineligible for a refund of his recruitment fees.

“What Amazon is doing feels disingenuous,” he remarked.

Amazon did not respond to inquiries regarding whether October 2023 was a cutoff date for payment eligibility, nor did they clarify the criteria for determining payment recipients.

Concerns about the treatment of vulnerable workers in Amazon’s Saudi warehouses gained significant attention following a survey released on October 10, 2023, by the Guardian, NBC News, and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists along with the Arab Reporter for Investigative Journalism. The reporting revealed that workers were charged recruitment fees ranging from approximately $830 to $2,300 to secure jobs in Amazon’s Saudi warehouses, violating Supply Chain Standards.

In response to media inquiries and an investigation by Amnesty International, Amazon committed to enhancing its labor practices and reimbursing recruitment fees for workers involved with its Saudi Arabian operations.

By February 2024, Amazon had compensated over 700 workers with approximately $1.9 million. Nevertheless, the pace of payments has since dwindled, with numerous workers claiming they remain excluded. Among the 44 current and former Amazon contract workers interviewed for the Guardian’s report in December 2024, 33 stated they had yet to receive any refund from the company. “These are intricate and prolonged processes, and we do our utmost to expedite refunds,” Amazon explained at the time.

Since the follow-up report, Amazon has distributed over $330,000 in compensation to roughly 100 workers.

The migrant workers involved in this story hail from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Kenya.

Bangladeshi worker MD Foisal Mia reported paying a recruitment company over $3,500 for a contract position in Amazon’s Saudi operations. He mentioned he has yet to receive any indication of compensation from Amazon or Impactt. He hopes that a refund for his recruitment fees would significantly impact his family’s circumstances.

“My family is in need. It’s challenging to manage a household,” stated Mia, who currently works at a vegetable store in Kuwait. “Please return my fee. This money means little to you, but it is everything to me.”

Nepali worker Sonu Kumar Mandal sought employment in the Amazon warehouse in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, in 2021. To afford the costs, he secured a loan from a local moneylender with an exorbitant annual interest rate of 36%.

However, he was unable to meet his repayment obligations as his earnings were directed towards supporting his financially struggling family.

“I don’t have the funds to pay interest at present. I’m unemployed,” he lamented. “If Amazon were to refund the money, I would be able to settle the loan.”

Several workers denied compensation expressed that if Amazon genuinely wanted to reimburse them, they could have informed them about the refund process.

“Amazon has my phone number, my email, my passport, everything,” said Kishor Kumar Chaudhary, another Nepali worker. “If they wanted to reach me, they could easily do so. But why haven’t they?”

Pradip Kumar Mahato, a former Amazon employee from Nepal, filled out an online compensation form and sent a voice message to Impactt staff in July. In a reply, the staff conveyed: “[money] Very slim…we’re trying, but there’s no guarantee.”

Callahan, the Amazon spokesperson, expressed that the company is establishing a comprehensive complaint resolution mechanism for workers to voice their concerns. Amazon provides a web page where individuals, including former employees, can file complaints in various languages regarding the company’s employment and environmental practices.

Source: www.theguardian.com

‘It Felt Like Traveling Back in Time’: Afghans Share Their Relief as Internet Service is Restored

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As the sun set on Wednesday, the streets surrounding Kabul, the Afghan capital, suddenly became bustling with activity.


With phones firmly pressed to their ears, Afghans spilled into the streets of Kabul, eager to see if others were online.

“Great news, the internet is back!” shouted a driver, as children received balloons and parents bought sweets to celebrate, gathering at nearby restaurants.

For 48 hours, the Afghan population had been cut off from mobile and internet services due to unexpected telecommunications shutdowns ordered by the authorities.

“It felt like we were transported back in time, contemplating sending letters to stay connected with family,” shared Mohammad Rafi, 33, a mobile phone store owner.

“The streets were deserted, resembling a holiday atmosphere, even during weekdays. But now, they’re lively again, even in the evening.”




Men attempt to connect their smart TV to the internet. Photo: Sayed Hassib/Reuters

Sohrab Ahmadi, a 26-year-old delivery driver, struggled for two days without being able to reach his clients through the app he relies on.

Now, bikes line the streets, picking up orders from restaurants adorned with bright neon signs and juice vendors playing music. “It feels like Eid al-Adah, like preparing for prayer,” he remarked.




The communications tower is slowly restoring its services after nearly three days offline. Photo: Samiullah Popal/EPA

The streets also saw a noticeable rise in the number of women facing severe limitations imposed by the Taliban regime, including a prohibition on education beyond primary school.

“I can’t describe how relieved I am. I’m finally able to breathe again,” said a young woman attending online classes, who requested anonymity. “These online lessons are our last hope.”

The UN has warned that the disruption in connectivity poses risks to economic stability, worsening one of the most dire humanitarian crises globally.

The Taliban government has yet to address the issue of the internet blackout.




An Afghan woman walks past a beauty salon in the capital. Photo: Ali Kara/Reuters

This suspension occurred shortly after the government announced plans to cut high-speed internet in certain regions to curb “immorality.”

Attaura Zaid, a spokesman for Balkh province, confirmed that the ban was initiated by Taliban shadow leader Hibatura Ahnzada.

During the Taliban’s initial rule from 1996 to 2001, the internet was still a relatively new and developing technology.




Kabul street vendors will communicate via phone once services resume. Photo: Sayed Hassib/Reuters

However, in recent years, the economy has increasingly depended on internet access. Even in rural areas, many Afghans utilize their mobile phones for business transactions.

“The world has moved forward. This isn’t like thirty years ago,” remarked Ghulam Rabbani, a mobile credit vendor who was surrounded by shops on Wednesday night. “We anticipated the internet’s return. The outage affected everyone, including the government.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

This Underappreciated Habit Could Be Your Ultimate Stress Relief Secret

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Humans are inherently social beings. Our evolution took place within communities, leading to the creation of the complex civilizations we know today. At a fundamental level, we crave the company of others.

So, why might you occasionally wish for some time alone on this planet?

I consider myself a humanist, a pluralist, and generally a pleasant individual. However, there are moments—though I seldom admit it—when I yearn for the mass of humanity to fade away, at least for a while.

After all, with a global population of 8 billion, I can’t be the only one. The urge to find solitude can be just as powerful as our innate need for companionship.

Research highlights this desire: Loneliness. It reflects the negative feelings and emotional states that arise when you don’t carve out some personal time for yourself.

Introverts like myself are particularly attuned to this, though we are not alone in our feelings.

Advantages of Spending Time Alone

Parents grappling with long school holidays can find this challenge overwhelming. Those who live in bustling shared spaces or work in hectic environments, like schools and hospitals, share similar sentiments.

Interestingly, the concept of solitude fascinates many. Dr. Thuy-vy Nguyen, a Professor of Psychology at Durham University, emphasizes its importance through her research. She asserts that spending time alone facilitates recovery from stress.

“Our research consistently shows that being alone is beneficial for emotional regulation,” she explains.

“Initially, we induce stress in participants during experiments. Following this, we allow them to spend time alone in a room, where they experience noticeable calm in just 15-30 minutes.”

Remarkably, this emotional calming effect diminished when participants were with others, possibly because solitude offers essential opportunities for rest and renewal.

Engaging in activities like hiking in nature or pursuing creative hobbies can be fulfilling—Credit: Ipei Naoi via Getty

Feelings of anger, anxiety, and excessive excitement are often accompanied by cognitive burdens, which appear to dissipate when we allow ourselves to be alone.

Nguyen has even observed physical changes. “We track cortisol levels, which indicate stress, and see it decrease with solitude,” she notes.

This gentle feeling of relief is just one of the benefits. Research during the Covid-19 lockdown showed that solitary time could boost creativity. Other studies indicate that time spent alone can enhance self-compassion and resilience.

The Difference Between Loneliness and Solitude

It might sound odd to some, especially those who view solitude as detrimental. It’s often linked to poor mental health, increased cardiovascular risks, and a higher likelihood of early mortality.

However, it’s crucial to differentiate between loneliness and solitude. Loneliness can feel imposed, but solitude is something one can embrace and nurture.

Nguyen suggests introducing structure into your alone time, stating, “Empty time can be daunting for many. Give yourself a task.”

In one experiment, she found that participants who sorted hundreds of pencils preferred this engaging activity over simply sitting idle. Another study revealed that some individuals would choose to self-administer mild electric shocks rather than endure the discomfort of doing nothing.

In her free time, Nguyen enjoys crafting miniature models, a healthier alternative to mindless screen time. Other fulfilling options could include reading, gardening, tackling jigsaw puzzles, or sketching.

“Opt for a hands-on activity,” she advises, but avoid jumping straight to your phone.

Nguyen is currently exploring how distracting devices might disrupt the cognitive processes that solitude can stimulate.

“When we are alone, we gain the chance to reflect on our days,” she remarks. “However, smartphones often divert our attention and push us into multitasking instead.”

Another tip is to get outside when possible, especially if you feel overwhelmed.

“If you’re constantly surrounded by stress, you might struggle to leave that environment when alone,” Nguyen explains. “That’s why many parents feel the need to step outside their homes. There’s a marked difference between just being alone and dedicating time to oneself.”

When lonely parents express a need for space during busy holiday seasons, they’re speaking a universal truth.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Tailored Brain Implants Offer Lasting Relief from Chronic Pain

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Deep brain stimulation is already utilized for Parkinson’s disease

Living Art Enterprise/Science Photo Library

Brain implants capable of detecting pain and responding with deep brain stimulation may provide relief for individuals suffering from previously untreated chronic pain.

Chronic pain affects approximately 20% of the population in the United States, and many find little relief through traditional pain management approaches. This could be due to underlying changes in brain circuitry.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) involves using tiny electrodes to stimulate the brain, showing potential but also yielding inconsistent outcomes. The conventional method has typically applied a one-size-fits-all targeting of brain regions, despite indications that pain can stem from varying circuits in different individuals.

Thus, Prasad Shirvalkar and his team at the University of California, San Francisco, explored whether a personalized system might yield better results. In their study, six individuals with previously untreated chronic pain had their intracranial brain activity recorded and stimulated across 14 locations in the brain for ten days.

Out of five participants, the researchers pinpointed specific sites and stimulus frequencies that resulted in the most significant pain relief. While one participant noted no substantial relief, he could hold his wife for the first time in years, a notable improvement in his physical capabilities.

The research team employed machine learning to analyze and differentiate the electrical patterns associated with high and low pain levels. Consequently, they implanted permanent DBS electrodes personalized for each participant to monitor brain activity and optimize stimulation for pain detection and deactivation during sleep.

After six months of adjustments, each device underwent a trial where participants experienced real personalized stimulation for three months, followed by fake stimulation for another three months, or vice versa. The false stimulation targeted non-ideal locations with very low frequencies, and pain metrics were monitored multiple times daily throughout the trial.

On average, authentic stimulation led to a 50% reduction in daily pain intensity compared to the increase observed with spurious stimulation. Notably, the daily step counts increased by 18% during the false stimulation phase. Participants also reported fewer depressive symptoms and less pain interfering with daily life when undergoing real stimulation. These improvements persisted for over 3.5 years post-trial.

“This significant study employs the latest tools,” remarks Tim Dennison from Oxford University.

A previous challenge with DBS technology involved habituation; the brain would adapt to continuous stimulation, diminishing its effectiveness. Dennison suggests that extended benefits may arise from stimulating participants only when pain levels are elevated. The next phase will involve comparing adaptive versus constant stimuli to evaluate differences in outcomes.

“The other major hurdle lies in the economic feasibility and scalability of this method,” Dennison notes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Tax Relief and Carmen Sandiego: Boosting Australia’s Former Video Game Industry

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The perception that video games lack seriousness fails to recognize the benefits they provide to gamers who often feel disconnected.

“During the Covid pandemic, I realized that games serve as a vital means for people to connect and maintain relationships.”

Ross Simmons, CEO of Big Ali Studios, a Melbourne-based game development firm, recalls Tony Abbott’s dismissal of the national broadband network in 2010 when he referred to it as merely “internet-based television, video entertainment, and gaming.”

Simmons asserts that the industry’s marginalization has not endured over time.

Data from the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA) indicates that Australians invested $3.8 billion in video games in the past year. Although this sector remains smaller compared to major development countries like Canada, it is gradually evolving.

In 2023, the Australian government introduced the Digital Game Tax Offset (DGTO), enabling local developers to claim a 30% refundable income tax offset for creating or porting games in Australia. This policy is applicable to companies that spend a minimum of $500,000 on development in Australia, with a cap of $20 million per company.

Ron Curry, CEO of IGEA, reports that the Australian gaming industry employed approximately 1,300 individuals between 2020 and 2021.




Industry experts believe that the government’s tax offsets and rebates are drawing international developers and fostering local talent.
Photo: Assanka Brendon Ratnayake/Guardian

The Game Development sector in Australia now employs 2,465 full-time staff and generated $3399.1 million in revenue for the fiscal year 2023-24. “This reflects nearly a 100% rise in employment and an approximate 85% increase in revenue,” he notes.

“The DGTO has activated numerous avenues. Previously, Australia was one of the most expensive places to develop games and the only developed nation lacking rebates or offsets. We have corrected this to align ourselves with other developed nations.”

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Curry expresses confidence in the industry, indicating that government support, along with state and territorial grants, has signified Australia as a “healthy environment for operation,” fostering trust among investors, game publishers, and prospective employees.

Interstate Competition and Legacy Building

Serge Xebian, a partner at Playlight Consulting which advises gaming firms on financial matters, states that the offset has substantially benefited companies hiring in Australia, spurring momentum in the sector.

“International studios are increasingly aware of this, particularly those with existing ties to Australian vendors. Now, many are actively looking toward Australia. My clients’ suggestions are rapidly moving up the agenda.”

Xebian notes that while New South Wales was once a film haven, Victoria now stands out as a game development center, although competition is intensifying. Queensland offers a 15% rebate in addition to the federal benefits, with a threshold set at $250,000, while Victoria’s rebates range from 10% to 15%, based on investment level, with a $500,000 threshold.

“We are seeing many independent game studios relocating to Queensland,” observes Xebian.

French game developer Gameloft inaugurated a studio in Brisbane in 2014, responsible for reviving the famous character Carmen Sandiego on Netflix, Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch this year.

Manea Castett, head of the Brisbane studio, reminisces about playing Carmen Sandiego games with his father, describing the character’s persona as both thrilling and adventurous. He appreciates the opportunity to reimagine the game and provide players with a “fun twist” on Sandiego’s adventures.

Castett mentions that their Brisbane studio stands out within the company for its rapid growth, expanding from 55 staff two years ago to 217 today. He highlights their ability to develop two games simultaneously, enabling a more comprehensive approach to game design, technology, audio, quality assurance, and marketing.

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“Globally, the landscape is shifting… there remains significant revenue potential. The Australian video game industry is on the rise.”

Development challenges

Big Ali’s studio became the center of a controversy during the launch of Rugby League 26 in July when users reported game bugs, which included incorrect jersey numbers and server issues that hampered gameplay.

Simmons described the day patches were deployed to enhance the game as “very satisfying,” explaining that the near deadline for release aligned with the NRL season forced hasty changes.




Simmons noted that Big Ant Studio’s latest rugby title temporarily overwhelmed its online servers, achieving sales over six times their anticipations. Photo: Assanka Brendon Ratnayake/Guardian

“In the week prior to the release, we implemented 1,200 changes, many of which involved alterations due to sponsorships related to betting, alcohol, and other elements,” he explains, describing the challenges involved.

Logos of gambling and alcohol companies present on player jerseys in real life were removed from the game due to increasing concerns about promoting these products to underage audiences. Simmons believes that they underestimated the game’s demand on launch day, which sold six times their initial projections, causing server issues they eventually addressed.

Before the tax offsets were introduced, Big Ant had around 50 employees; now, with the growth fueled by these initiatives, they expanded to 147. Simmons states, “This enables us to compete globally.”

The tight job market, wherein game development skills are sought after across diverse sectors including artificial intelligence, further complicates their growth trajectory.

Curry notes that while the industry boasts transferable skills that participants take pride in, it must vie for talent. Ensuring safe jobs, competitive salaries, and an immigration framework that attracts skilled professionals will aid in recruitment, he adds.

“Integrating senior talent into the country serves as an accelerator for the people they mentor,” he remarks. “In Canada, you can bring developers into the country in as little as two weeks. We’ve witnessed instances of individuals taking over two years to enter Australia.”

“In a fast-paced industry, such delays are problematic.”




Source: www.theguardian.com

New ‘Molecular Shield’ Offers Relief from Hay Fever Symptoms in the Nose

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Sneezing and coughing are prevalent symptoms of hay fever

Mohammad Hosein Safaei/Unsplash

Individuals suffering from hay fever may find relief with a novel “molecular shield” designed to stop pollen from penetrating the nasal lining, likely with fewer side effects than traditional treatments.

Hay fever is an allergic response triggered by pollen interacting with IgE antibodies found in the nose, mouth, and eyes, leading to inflammation and symptoms like sneezing and itching. Common treatments, such as antihistamines and steroids, help reduce inflammation but often come with side effects, including drowsiness.

Seeking alternatives, Kaissar Tabynov from Kazakh National University of Agricultural Research and his team first collected blood samples from mice. They then isolated antibodies that did not participate in the allergic response but could bind to major mugwort pollen allergens, the primary trigger for hay fever. This binding action inhibited allergens from connecting with IgE antibodies in laboratory tests. “It acts as a molecular shield,” Tabynov explains.

To evaluate the shield’s effectiveness, the researchers induced mugwort pollen allergies in 10 mice by injecting them with allergens and chemicals to stimulate an immune response.

After a week, they administered small amounts of liquid containing the pollen-blocking antibodies into the noses of half the mice, gradually increasing the dosage over five days. The other group received saline solutions. An hour following each droplet, the mice were exposed to mugwort pollen at concentrations similar to those encountered during peak pollen seasons, according to Tabynov.

Following the final injection, the mice receiving the antibody treatment showed an average of 12 nose rubs over five minutes, in stark contrast to 92 in the saline group.

The researchers aimed to diminish inflammation and confirmed their success by imaging the nasal tissues collected from the mice at the study’s conclusion. This imaging revealed that the treatment not only had localized effects but also systemic ones. “Our research is the first to show that allergen-specific monoclonal antibodies can be administered intranasally to achieve both local and systemic protection against plant pollen allergies,” states Tabynov.

While the researchers did not assess potential side effects, they do not anticipate the adverse reactions associated with oral hay fever treatments, since the antibodies act at the site of allergen entry.

“This study represents a significant breakthrough and underscores the promise of intranasal therapies for allergic rhinitis. [hay fever] It lays the groundwork for early clinical trials exploring this method in humans,” remarks Sayantani Sindher from Stanford University in California.

Nonetheless, translating success in mice to human applications may prove challenging, and the antibodies will need to be modified to ensure they do not provoke an unexpected immune response in humans, Tabynov notes. If all goes well, the team hopes to advance this method to a nasal spray for human use within the next two to three years, he adds.

Such sprays could also address additional pollen types responsible for hay fever. “We envision a future where tailored antibody sprays can be made for individuals with sensitivities to different pollen varieties,” muses Tabynov.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

These Robotic Cats Feature Glowing Eyes and Heartbeat Technology, Offering Stress Relief for Children

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At the Springwood Library in the Blue Mountains, librarians arrive holding cat carriers in each hand.

Around 30 children 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.

His cutting-edge research on social robots aims to assist children grappling with reading challenges and emotional struggles.

“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.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Experiencing Both Relief and Frustration: A Week with Nokia’s Basic Phone | Mobile Phones

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Struggling with my ancient Nokia 3210, I tried to finish my text after 10 minutes of furious tapping. This “detox” phone, part of a new trend for those seeking relief from tech stress, was really testing my patience.

Sending a message while on a school trip to the Museum of London Docklands, I tried to avoid looking at my phone. The kids with me were puzzled by my texting struggles and the outdated phone.

Despite feeling embarrassed, I pressed on with a semi-urgent message to a friend, as more people opt for simpler phones due to concerns about mental health and technology overload.

As I prepare to start boarding school without my smartphone, I reflect on the ban on new students bringing them. This shift towards low-tech devices raises questions about our dependence on technology.

Cut off from my work email and limited internet access, I grapple with significant news events offline, highlighting the challenges of disconnecting in a hyper-connected world.

Unable to use predictive text and facing the drawbacks of a basic phone, I grapple with the loss of convenience brought on by smartphones. Stepping away from technology reveals both freedom and discomfort.

The reintroduction of Nokia 3210 and similar devices underscores the nostalgia for a simpler time when conversations mattered more than social media likes. These “detox” phones offer a reprieve from the digital noise of modern smartphones.

Zoe Wood with a Nokia 3210: “Perfect for people who don’t want to be in touch or who are on holiday.” Photo: Linda Nylind/The Guardian

Disconnecting from my smartphone lifestyle forces me to rely on traditional methods for daily tasks. This shift highlights the convenience of smartphones but also the unique benefits of simpler technology.

While low-end phones offer relief from the constant demands of smartphones, their limitations and price point present challenges for those accustomed to the conveniences of modern devices.

Source: www.theguardian.com

My 17-year-old son arrested for distributing child abuse images, expresses relief

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Louise* thought she had been honest with her two children about the risks of the internet. However, last year, at 6 a.m., the police knocked on her door looking for her 17-year-old son.

“Five or six police officers came up my stairs,” she recalled. She exclaimed, “When they informed her they were searching for her son due to indecent images, she felt like she was going to pass out.

“I said, ‘Oh my god, he’s autistic. Has he been taught?’ They confiscated all his devices and took him away. I was so stunned that I almost vomited after they left.”

Louise’s son is just one of many under-18s accused by law enforcement of viewing or sharing indecent images of children in the past year.

the study Published in February Some individuals who consume child sexual abuse material (CSAM) admit to becoming desensitized to adult pornography and are now in search of more extreme or violent content. It appears that there are people.

In December, an investigation by The Guardian revealed that in certain areas, the majority of individuals identified by authorities as viewing or sharing indecent images of children were under 18.

Experts argue that this is part of a larger crisis caused by predators grooming children through chat apps and social media platforms.

In January, the Internet Watch Foundation cautioned that over 90% of child abuse images online are self-produced, meaning they are generated and distributed by children themselves.

Louise attributes her son’s natural teenage curiosity about pornography to steering him towards a dangerous path of interacting with strangers and sharing explicit images. Alex* was convicted of viewing and distributing a small number of child abuse images, some falling under Category A (rape and abuse of young children). Categories B and C.

While Louise acknowledges that her son, who received an 18-month community sentence and is now on the sex offenders register for five years, committed a serious offense and must face the consequences. But she also wants other parents to comprehend the sequence of events.

“It all began with an obsession common among many young people with autism,” she explained. “He adored manga and anime. I can’t even count how many miles he traveled to buy manga for himself.

“This interest led him from innocent cartoons to sexualized images, eventually leading him to join a group where teenagers exchange pornography.”

Alex has since admitted to his mother that he had an interest in pornography and was part of online groups with names like “Sex Images 13 to 17.” “What teenager isn’t curious?” Louise pondered.

It was on these popular sites and chat apps that adults were waiting to exploit vulnerable young individuals like him.

“He was bombarded with messages,” Louise shared. “Literally thousands of messages from individuals attempting to manipulate him. This boy has struggled for years to fit in as an autistic kid at school. He’s been a victim of bullying. And all of a sudden, he felt accepted. He felt a sense of excitement.

“Adults coerced him into sharing images of abuse. If he hadn’t been caught, who knows where it could have led?”

Louise questioned Alex why he didn’t show the images he received to an adult.

“I even asked him, ‘Why didn’t you tell me immediately when you saw the image?'” And he replied, “Mom, I know it’s difficult to do that. Did you know?” to describe the months I’ve been online in these spaces. ” His actual words when the police arrived were, “Oh, thank God.” That was a relief to him. ”

She mentioned that the lockdown has shifted the dynamics for young people like her son, with their lives increasingly reliant on the internet. “They were instructed, ‘Just go online and do everything there.”

Both Alex and his mother are receiving assistance from the Lucy Faithful Foundation, a charity aiding online sex offenders. Last year, 217,889 people expressed concern about their own or someone else’s sexual thoughts or actions and have reached out to seek help.

The organization recently launched a website called coast, targeting young individuals anxious about their own sexual thoughts and behaviors. Following the lifting of lockdown restrictions, calls to support hotlines for under-18s rose by 32%.

Alex also reflected on the precarious position he found himself in. “I was in my final year of sixth form, at home while my friends were heading off to university, so I felt anxious and fearful about our friendship drifting apart.

“Here, I made the fateful decision to use multiple chat platforms to try to build friendships. Although I had no intention of sexual involvement, I approached my friend in a natural sexual interest, experience. The fear of delay, combined with the powerful effect of anonymity, has made it very easy to engage in these matters.”

He cautions that his generation’s utilization of the online realm demands novel approaches to safeguard children better.

“This issue cannot be resolved by simply advising against talking to strangers on the internet. That information is outdated,” he remarked.

“Many people believe that this content can only be found on the dark web, when in fact it can be found in the shallowest parts of the internet without any effort. It was so scary that I might have thought about it, but unfortunately I was in too deep and it was too late.”

*Name has been changed

  • If you have concerns about images your child may have shared themselves, you can report them through the joint Childline and Internet Watch Foundation service. Delete report. You can also report images of child sexual abuse from the same website. If you are concerned about the sexual behavior of young people, please visit: shorespace.org.uk

Source: www.theguardian.com