Children

Auto Added by WPeMatico

Children in UK report online sextortion attempts in record numbers

Exclusive: Call for nudity-detection tech on phones as number of under-18s reporting blackmail attempts rises by 34%• ‘I felt ashamed and scared’: how an online friendship became a sextortion nightmareChildren are reporting online sextortion attempts in record numbers in the UK, as campaigners urge tech companies to do more to stamp out the crime.The Report […]

Children in UK report online sextortion attempts in record numbers Read More »

Including online games in social media bans is unworkable, unnecessary and would harm young people

As calls for restrictions on under-16s’ online activities gather pace, some are urging curbs on online gaming. The idea is a mess from top to bottomLast week, Meta and YouTube were found liable for creating intentionally addictive products that affected the wellbeing of young social media users. The ruling has supercharged an already growing movement

Including online games in social media bans is unworkable, unnecessary and would harm young people Read More »

Keir Starmer says UK will ‘have to act’ to curb addictive features of social media

In his strongest intervention yet, PM says some features ‘shouldn’t be permitted’, while education secretary says things ‘are going to change’Keir Starmer has backed banning addictive social media features in his strongest intervention yet on curbs that could be placed on tech companies, saying the features “shouldn’t be permitted”.The prime minister said the government was

Keir Starmer says UK will ‘have to act’ to curb addictive features of social media Read More »

What does new guidance in the UK say about screen time for children?

Experts recommend extremely limited use for children under-two amid ‘mounting evidence’ of harmful impactThe government has issued new guidance on how much time children below the age of five should spend on screens.Children’s relationships with screens have become one of the key struggles of 21st-century parenting, along with the impact of the content that appears

What does new guidance in the UK say about screen time for children? Read More »

Keep under-fives’ screen time to no more than an hour a day, UK advice says

Keir Starmer promises to help parents limit children’s online activity as government issues guidance to familiesChildren under five should spend no more than an hour a day on screens, new government advice says.Screen time for children under two should be avoided except for shared activities encouraging interaction, families are advised. Continue reading…

Keep under-fives’ screen time to no more than an hour a day, UK advice says Read More »

Amount of AI-generated child sexual abuse material found online surged in 2025

Internet Watch Foundation verified 8,029 pieces of realistic AI-made content, with 65% of videos in worst categoryThe amount of AI-generated child sexual abuse material found online rose by 14% last year, with the majority of videos showing the most extreme type of content, according to a safety watchdog.The Internet Watch Foundation said it identified 8,029

Amount of AI-generated child sexual abuse material found online surged in 2025 Read More »

Meta on trial over child safety: can it really protect its next generation of users?

New Mexico prosecutors allege Meta prioritized profit, even as child abuse surged on Instagram and FacebookSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxMeta is facing a reckoning over its child safety practices as a trial surfaces fresh allegations that the company prioritized profit incentives and engagement over protecting

Meta on trial over child safety: can it really protect its next generation of users? Read More »

Child’s play: blame it all on the dog | Brief letters

Baby lies | Fuel price fairness | Gut feelings | Fifa fiasco | Human connection | Cooking instructionsWhen gently asked about a pen scribble in a picture book “Goodness, I wonder who did that?”, 27-month-old Emily confidently retorted “Nancy!” – our miniature dachshund (Little liars: babies younger than one practise deceit, study suggests, 16 March).Dianne

Child’s play: blame it all on the dog | Brief letters Read More »

AI toys for young children must be more tightly regulated, say reseachers

University of Cambridge study finds AI-powered toys can misread emotions and respond inappropriately to childrenIt was all going well. Charlotte, five, was chatting with an AI soft toy called Gabbo at a London play centre about her family, her drawing of a heart to represent them and what makes her happy. She even offered a

AI toys for young children must be more tightly regulated, say reseachers Read More »

ChatGPT driving rise in reports of ‘satanic’ organised ritual abuse, UK experts say

Exclusive: ‘Witchcraft, spirit possession and spiritual abuse’ offending typified by sexual abuse, violence and neglectChatGPT is driving a rise in reports of organised ritual abuse, UK experts have said, as survivors of “satanic” sexual violence use the AI tool for therapy.Police say organised ritual abuse and “witchcraft, spirit possession and spiritual abuse” (WSPRA) against children

ChatGPT driving rise in reports of ‘satanic’ organised ritual abuse, UK experts say Read More »