Tag Archives: survey

NSPCC Survey Reveals 1 in 10 UK Parents Report Online Threats Against Their Children

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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.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Survey Reveals 1 in 4 People Unconcerned About Non-Consensual Sexual Deepfakes

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A study commissioned by law enforcement revealed that 25% of individuals either believe there is no issue with creating and sharing sexual deepfakes or feel indifferent, regardless of the subject’s consent.

In response to these findings, a senior official in law enforcement cautioned that AI is exacerbating the crisis of violence against women and girls (VAWG), with tech companies being complicit in this misconduct.

A survey involving 1,700 participants, commissioned by the Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser, found that 13% were comfortable with creating and sharing sexual or intimate deepfakes (content manipulated using AI without consent).

Additionally, 12% of respondents felt neutral about the moral and legal acceptability of creating and sharing such deepfakes.

Det. Church Supt Claire Hammond of the VAWG and National Center for Civil Protection emphasized that “distributing intimate images of someone without their consent, regardless of whether they are authentic, is a serious crime.”

Discussing the survey results, she remarked: “The rise of AI technology is accelerating the violence against women and girls globally. Tech companies bear responsibility for enabling this abuse, facilitating the creation and dissemination of harmful material with ease. Immediate action is required.”

She encouraged anyone affected by deepfakes to report them to authorities. Ms. Hammond stated: “This is a serious crime, and we are here to support you. Nobody should endure pain or shame in silence.”

Under new data laws, the creation of sexually explicit deepfakes without consent will be classified as a criminal offense.

A report from crime and justice consultancy Crest Advisory indicated that 7% of participants had been portrayed in a sexual or intimate deepfake. Of those, only 51% reported the incident to law enforcement. Among those who remained silent, common reasons included embarrassment and doubts regarding the seriousness of the crime being taken.

The data also pointed out that men under 45 were more likely to be involved in the creation and sharing of deepfakes. This demographic also tended to consume pornographic content, hold misogynistic views, and have a favorable attitude toward AI. However, the report noted that the correlation between age, gender, and such beliefs is weak, calling for more research to delve deeper into this connection.

One in 20 respondents admitted to having created a deepfake previously, while over 10% expressed willingness to do so in the future. Moreover, two-thirds reported having seen or potentially seen a deepfake.

Karian Desroches, the report’s author and head of policy and strategy at Crest Advisory, cautioned that the creation of deepfakes is “growing increasingly common as technology becomes more affordable and accessible.”

“While some deepfake content might seem innocuous, the majority is of a sexual nature and predominantly directed at women.”

“We are profoundly alarmed by our findings: a demographic of young individuals who actively consume pornography, exhibit misogynistic attitudes, and perceive no harm in creating or sharing sexual deepfakes of others without consent.”

“We are living in troubling times, and without immediate and concerted action in the digital arena, we jeopardize the futures of our daughters (and sons),” said Carrie Jane Beach, an advocate for stronger protections for deepfake abuse victims.

Moreover, she stated: “We are witnessing a generation of children growing up devoid of protections, laws, or regulations addressing this matter, leading to dire consequences of such unregulated freedom.

“Confronting this issue starts at home. To have any hope of elimination, we must prioritize education and foster open discussions every day.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Children Regulate Smartphone Usage to Enhance Mental Health, Survey Finds

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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 that one-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.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Liverpool Emerges as the UK’s Crypto Capital, Survey Reveals

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The city’s renowned musicians may have claimed that love can’t be bought with money, but that was before Bitcoin came onto the scene.

Recently, Liverpool has been recognized as the UK’s cryptocurrency capital, based on a study evaluating online behaviors among citizens nationwide.

A survey by telecommunications provider OpenReach revealed that 13% of participants from Liverpool regularly invest in cryptocurrency and stocks, more frequently than any other region in the UK.

Several cities across the UK have emerged as hotspots for various activities. London is identified as the UK’s online dating hub, with 24% of respondents stating they have engaged with dating apps for at least three days.

In contrast, only 4% of the national respondents indicated that they spend time on dating applications according to this survey.

The survey suggests that the average British citizen dedicates 3.5 hours a day to the internet, but 20% confessed to spending more than five hours daily online.

Although online activity varies, 64% of participants reported being active from 11 PM to 6 AM, with 19% saying it’s time to visit YouTube.

In the North, the analysis highlights the digital habits of three cities. Manchester residents utilize Instagram more than anywhere else, with 27% of the population engaging with the platform regularly.

Meanwhile, Sheffield stands out as the leading city for both TikTok engagement and music streaming, with 32% and 30% of its residents participating, respectively. It also ranks as the city where households spend the most time online, with 32% admitting to exceeding five hours each day on the internet.

In Leeds, residents seem to favor the older social media platforms, with 43% spending a significant portion of their time on Facebook.

This research was commissioned by OpenReach to mark the anniversary of the first broadband installation in a British home, which took place in Basildon, Essex, in April 2000.

The findings revealed that many participants expressed dissatisfaction with their internet usage; 43% reported wasting time online, 37% were concerned about “doom scrolling,” and 33% stated they felt more relaxed when they reduced their online activity.

Katie Milligan, Associate CEO of OpenReach, commented:

“At the same time, we encourage many people to recognize the importance of taking time away from devices and digital connections.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Nearly Half of Young People Favor an Internet-Free World, UK Survey Reveals

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A recent study indicates that nearly half of young individuals desire a world devoid of the internet.

The findings show that about 70% of people aged 16 to 21 feel increasingly negative about themselves after using social media. Additionally, 50% are in favor of implementing a “digital curfew” that limits access to specific apps and websites after 10 PM, while 46% express a wish to be younger in an internet-free environment.

One-quarter of participants reported spending over four hours daily on social media, and 42% confessed to deceiving their parents and guardians regarding their online activities.

Of those surveyed, 42% admitted to fibbing about their age, 40% owned a fake or “burner” account, and 27% claimed to pose as someone else entirely.

These results followed the technology secretary Peter Kyle’s comment suggesting that the government should consider mandatory time limits for specific apps like TikTok and Instagram.

Rani Govender, NSPCC’s policy manager for child safety, noted that a digital curfew alone cannot shield children from harmful online content without implementing additional measures.

“We must recognize that digital curfews won’t fully safeguard children from online threats. They can encounter these risks at different times throughout the day, and the consequences will remain,” she explained.

Govender emphasized that the primary goal of both businesses and the government should be to provide children with “a much safer, less addictive platform.”

The study, carried out by the UK Standards Agency, surveyed 1,293 young people, revealing that 27% disclosed their locations online to strangers.

Moreover, three-quarters of young respondents said they increased their online time during the pandemic, and 68% felt that this increased screen time adversely affected their mental health.

“It’s evident that young people recognize online risks and are calling for action from tech companies to safeguard them,” stated Andy Burrows, CEO of the suicide prevention charity The Molly Rose Foundation.

He remarked that algorithms could lead users to “harmful and distressing content unintentionally,” and that new regulations urgently need to adopt a design approach prioritizing the safety of children and society over the interests of large tech corporations.

Source: www.theguardian.com

New Camera Trap Survey Shows Predominance of Indian Snow Leopards

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The successful conservation of certain endangered species relies on a precise scientific evaluation of their presence and population dynamics. This data can often be volatile or lacking in scientific credibility, particularly for low-density carnivorous species like the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), which inhabit remote and challenging environments. In a recent study, a team of scientists from India’s Ladakh and Wildlife Institute employed a double sampling strategy to evaluate the population and distribution of snow leopards and their prey across the Trans-Himalaya region of Ladakh.

Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia). Image credit: Union Territories, Wildlife Conservation Agency, Ladakh.

“Large carnivorous animals are among the most emblematic species, symbolizing robust ecosystems and conservation hope,” remarked Ladakh researcher Pankaj Reina alongside her colleagues from the Union Territory.

“Their position as apex predators plays a crucial role in regulating nutrition, nutrient cycling, and disease control.”

“Nevertheless, large carnivorous species face widespread extinction, significantly affecting the functionality of contemporary ecosystems.”

“Within the realm of elusive large carnivores, the snow leopard is the flagship species of the mountainous regions spanning 12 countries in South and Central Asia.”

“Snow leopards are renowned for their elusive, wide-ranging behaviors, necessitating a landscape-level approach for effective population monitoring and conservation.”

In their study, the authors investigated the population and distribution of snow leopards across a vast 59,000 km2 area of Ladakh.

Initially, they conducted a thorough survey to gather evidence of snow leopards, including tracks, droppings, and scratch marks.

They also assessed the presence of other large carnivores such as brown bears and lynx, as well as wild herbivores and livestock.

Subsequently, they deployed 956 camera traps covering over 8,500 km2 of snow leopard habitat, facilitating accurate population estimates across the region.

Using artificial intelligence, they analyzed images to identify individual snow leopards based on their unique forehead patterns.

The team estimated that Ladakh hosts approximately 477 snow leopards, representing 68% of India’s total population.

Snow leopard density was observed to vary between 1-3 individuals per 100 km2, with Hemis National Park noted for having the highest recorded density globally.

Remarkably, up to 61% of snow leopards in Ladakh coexist with human populations.

Resource-rich grasslands, characterized by moderate climates and complex terrains, tend to be prime habitats for snow leopards.

“A profound respect for wildlife among the communities in Ladakh, coupled with the economic benefits from snow leopard tourism and effective conflict management strategies, supports some of the highest snow leopard densities globally.

“To capture images of the snow leopard’s forehead, I positioned myself strategically in front of the camera.”

“This involved applying a small amount of perfume near the camera placed by a favored scented rock atop a high ridge.”

“Out of curiosity, the snow leopard lowers its head to investigate the scent, allowing us to capture invaluable photographs.”

“The fingerprinting of snow leopards employs specialized pattern recognition software that models the 3D features of the snow leopard’s forehead, extracting and cataloging spot patterns for comparison with other photographs, ensuring accurate matches.”

“This approach has significantly enhanced our work, improving the accuracy of individual identification—critical for population estimates using statistical models.”

The team’s research paper was published online in the journal PLOS ONE.

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P. Reina et al. 2025. A comprehensive assessment of snow leopard distribution and population in Ladakh, India’s Trans Himalayas: Standardisation Methods for Evidence-Based Conservation. PLOS ONE 20(5): E0322136; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0322136

Source: www.sci.news

This website conducted a survey: Celebrities who are not honest about their height | Culture

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Experiencing physical anxiety due to height is not something I’ve ever encountered, unlike the frustration I feel when my legs are cramped in a plane seat. This realization dawned on me after stumbling upon celebheights.com, which sparked a mix of excitement and anger.

In 2019, while working as a cadet journalist in Hasting, I found myself banned from a brewery tour for lacking size 13 protective boots. Sitting alone in the rest room, cursing my oversized feet, I came up with a wild theory involving an aspiring prime minister hoarding the last size 13s. That’s when I turned to celebheights.com and discovered a whole new world.

The site’s strict mission statement, promising height estimates based on various sources like quotes, resumes, photo comparisons, and face-to-face encounters, deeply impressed me.


The most popular page grid at celebheights.com – “A thriving community of keyboard warriors wrapped in height.” Photo: celebheights.com

celebheights.com isn’t just a database of celebrities’ heights; it’s a lively community of height-obsessed keyboard warriors.

At its core is Admin Rob, the self-appointed judge who meticulously assesses and debates celebrities’ heights, down to the quarter-inch for some.

Launched in 2004, the site gained prominence after being featured in the (Criminally Short-Lived) Mystery Show Podcast in 2015, revealing the passion and dedication of its users.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/q5PVm0ohRGs?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Jake Gyllenhaal’s Height – Mystery Solved?" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

The debates on the site can get intense, especially when it comes to celebrities like Mariah Carey, whose height listing has attracted over a thousand comments over the years.

Rob’s commitment to personally verify celebrities’ heights by comparing them to his own 5’8″ stature is a testament to his dedication.

Even celebrities whose heights have been confirmed by Rob can still spark debates among users on the site.


The furious debate is furious at Mariah Carey’s height. Photo: celebheights.com

The speculation and arguments about heights continue unabated on the site, with Rob’s firm belief that these debates can go on indefinitely.


Often, moderators on this site conduct field research in the form of celebrity encounters and gifts. Photo: celebheights.com

When not engaged in heated debates online, the site’s moderators undertake field research, often interacting with celebrities to verify their heights.

The height controversies even extend to celebrities with verified measurements, as seen in the case of actor Brendan Fraser, whose height listing underwent revisions despite Rob’s personal verification.

Commenters on the site provide diverse perspectives, with some offering valuable insights based on personal encounters with celebrities.

Even celebrities like Danny DeVito, who humorously downplays his height, find themselves embroiled in debates over their true measurements, making the height discussions a truly engaging saga.

Source: www.theguardian.com

China to release US tariff and Google survey findings in line with Trump’s tax policies

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Salvo was fired by Donald Trump at the start of his trade war, imposing tariffs on China on Tuesday, prompting immediate retaliation from Beijing due to concerns about the global economic impact.

10% tariffs have been implemented currently, prompting China to release an anti-trade survey on Google swiftly. The Ministry of Finance has announced tariffs of 10% on items such as coal, liquefied natural gas, crude oil, agricultural equipment, large distributed vehicles, and pickup trucks from the United States.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce and Customs Bureau took actions on Tuesday to protect national security interests by imposing export controls on important minerals such as tungsten, terrillium, lutenium, molybdenum, and rutenium-related items.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Commerce indicated that US PvH Group and Illumina would be added to the list of unreliable entities, subjecting them to restrictions or penalties without specifying the accusations against the companies.

In response to tightened US exports of high-tech products to China, Beijing is considering adding Intel to a list of companies under investigation for antitrust law violations. Financial Times reported this on Tuesday.

Despite Google services being blocked in China, the company continues to earn revenue from Chinese companies advertising overseas and using Android operating systems.

The Chinese Ministry of Finance stated that the unilateral imposition of tariffs by the United States violates World Trade Organization rules and could harm economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

After initially threatening economic disputes with Canada and Mexico, President Trump decided to postpone tariffs following discussions with their leaders.

The US has removed exemptions for Chinese exports, imposing tariffs on most goods. Some Chinese retailers, like SHEIN and TEMU, relied on exemptions to sell affordable products in the US.

Trump agreed to impose a 25% tariff on Mexico after speaking with President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau led Trump to delay 25% tariffs on Canada. Trudeau announced a $1.3 billion border security plan in response to the decision.

The White House announced a meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later in the week to address escalating trade tensions.

Economists warn that Trump’s tariff plan could raise prices for millions of Americans.

Trump believes tariffs will strengthen the US financially and lead to beneficial trade agreements with other countries.

The global financial markets reacted cautiously to Trump’s tariff actions, with mixed results.

Various stock indexes fluctuated following the tariff announcements, with currencies like the Canadian dollar experiencing volatility.

The Chinese market was closed for the Lunar New Year holiday and is set to reopen on Wednesday.

Additional reports by Graeme Wearden

Source: www.theguardian.com

Unraveling the Mystery of Space Mediation Particles: Exploring the Most Detailed Survey

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International Space Station AMS particle detector

NASA

The 11 -year survey of particles near our sun and anti -particles has emerged the history of our solar system and causes a new mystery about the particles itself.

“It seems like I stepped into a dark room and saw a lot of new things.” Samuel Tin At Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Energy particles are filled in the space, which is moved by burst called cosmic rays. When the cosmic ray enters the Alpha Magnetic Difference (AMS) detector of the International Space Station (ISS), the magnetic field separates particles based on the charge, and the detector measures mass and energy. This separation is important because it helps to identify the differences between particles and their anti -particles.

AMS collaboration, and his colleagues, analyzed more than 11 years of AMS data, and found that we didn’t know much about the particle behavior as we thought. For example, this survey reveals how the number of particles tends to be over time and how different types of particles interact with each other. Ting says that there are more than 600 theoretical models that can explain each of these trends, but there is nothing to explain both surveys at the same time.

And the results of the survey may be important for more than a single particle. Researchers say that the changing characteristics may be useful as a record of the history of the solar system, so they are shooting cosmic rays with different detectors for more than a century. Jamie Lankin At Princeton University. However, she says that we have never understood how the solar cycle affects the light rays.

This is because 11 years is the length of one solar cycle, so collecting data during that period captures all repeated fluctuations in the sun magnetic field, and the behavior of cosmic rays changes. She says that such a detailed investigation can be a key to solving a method of using cosmic rays in “solar system archeology”.

However, he says that the cosmic ray itself is still mysterious. Gavin Lowell At Adelaide University in Australia. “The measured value of the particle AMS is essentially from outside the solar system,” he says. Detailed amounts of new analysis, including how different particle nuclei on the cosmic ray acts, may help researchers focus on more decisive theories of cosmic rays.

There is also a question of other unexplored universe. “It’s a big mystery for me that AMS can observe antiproton because we don’t see antimatters in our world.” Ian Low At Northwestern University, Illinois. He says that the origin of these anti -particles is connected to a mysterious dark substance, and otherwise it may be better than our current universe.

Ting and his colleagues are currently working on upgrading the AMS detector, can detect more particles, and are adjusted as astronauts who support the installation.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Israeli spyware used to target journalist in Italian WhatsApp survey

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A journalist received a WhatsApp notification stating that an Italian survey journalist, known for exposing young fascists within Georgia Meloni’s far-right party, was targeted by spyware made by Israel-based Paragon Solutions.

Francescan Cerat, the editor-in-chief of Italian Survey News Outlet Fan page, was among the 90 journalists and members of civil society targeted for spyware as announced by WhatsApp.

The journalist received a notification through a messaging app on Friday afternoon, along with many others whose identities were not yet known.

WhatsApp did not disclose the exact location of the targets but mentioned they were based in over 20 countries, including Europe.

In December, WhatsApp revealed that PARAGON was targeting users and had shut down a vector used for compromising individuals. Paragon sells its spyware, known as graphite, to government agencies like other spyware makers.

PARAGON distributed its spyware to targets through group chats without an actual group chat and sent malware via PDF. The spyware was designed to infect phones without the need for the user to click on any links or attachments.

It remains unclear how Cancellato was compromised, but the editor previously published a story exposing the fascist activities of Meloni’s far-right-wing members of the Youth Wing.

Cancellato stated that his mobile device had not shown signs of compromise and he had not been informed of any ongoing investigations. He described the news as a violation.

The meloni party faced criticism after the fan page’s publication. The European Commission spokesperson denounced fascism as morally wrong.

Victor Fadorn, President of the Roman Jewish community, called for strong action against hatred and discrimination following the fan page’s reports.

Paragon Solutions declined to provide any comment on the matter.

If you have received a WhatsApp notification, please contact: Stephanie.kirchgaessner@theguardian.com

Source: www.theguardian.com

Survey reveals significant decline in the participation of female students in computing GCSEs in England

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The number of girls studying computing GCSEs in England has more than halved in less than a decade, leading to warnings about “male dominance in shaping the modern world”.

The sharp fall in female participation comes as government changes to qualifications see the old Information and Communications Technology (ICT) GCSE abolished and replaced with a new Computer Science GCSE.

Government reforms aimed to create “more academically challenging and knowledge-based” qualifications, but the introduction of the new curriculum had the unintended consequence of reducing female enrolments, new research from King’s College London has found.

In 2015, 43% of ICT GCSE candidates were women, but in 2023, just 21% of those taking GCSE Computer Science were women.

To put the figures in perspective, 40,000 girls took ICT GCSEs and a further 5,000 took Computer Science in 2015. By 2023, with ICT no longer available, just 18,600 girls will have taken Computer Science.

When asked why, girls who chose not to study computer science said they didn’t enjoy it and that it didn’t fit into their career plans, the survey found.

Critics of the old ICT qualification complained that they only taught students how to use Microsoft Office. In contrast, the new Computer Science GCSE, with its emphasis on computer theory, coding and programming, is perceived by many students as “harder” than other subjects.

The study recognised that computer science GCSEs are here to stay, with 88,000 students taking the subject in 2023, and a four-fold increase in the number of A-level candidates between 2013 and 2023.

“However, these successes coincide with a general decline in computer and digital skills education at secondary school level, particularly affecting girls, certain ethnic groups and students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds,” the report said.

The report included a series of recommendations calling for urgent curriculum reform, more support for computing teachers and “expanding the current narrative about computing to focus on more than just male tech entrepreneurs.”

“The lack of women in the computing industry could lead to increased vulnerability and male dominance in shaping the modern world,” the authors warned.

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“There is an urgent need for action to encourage more girls to study computing at school so they can gain the digital skills they need to participate in and shape the world,” said Dr Peter Kemp, lead researcher on the study and senior lecturer in computing education at King’s College London.

“Current GCSEs focus on developing computer science and programming skills and this appears to be preventing young people, particularly girls, from taking up the subject. We need to ensure that computing is attractive to all pupils and meets the needs of young people and society.”

“All students should leave with the digital skills they need to succeed in the workplace and society,” says Pete Dolling, head of computing at Fulford School in York. “The curriculum needs to be reformed to include a comprehensive computing GCSE that provides essential skills and knowledge, going beyond just computer science.”

Maggie Philbin, One The technology broadcaster and director of TeenTech, which promotes digital skills, added: “At the moment many students consider the subject to be ‘difficult’ and will vote with their feet if they want to achieve the best results. It’s time to look at this subject with a fresh eye and work with teachers to design a curriculum that is more engaging and that teachers can be confident delivering.”

Source: www.theguardian.com