Twitter testing a new way to let users add content warnings to posts  

  • Twitter is piloting a new feature that will let users add specific content warnings to individual photos and videos.
  • Previously, users were required to add content warnings to all their tweets, regardless of sensitive material or not.
  • If users fail to flag sensitive content in their tweets, Twitter will rely on user reports to decide whether there should be a warning attached.
  • For more information on reporting, blocking, and muting on Twitter, click here.
  • Full story, here.

EU to announce new mandatory rules on child sexual abuse material

  • Under new EU Commission proposals, internet firms will be required to detect, report, and remove child sexual abuse content (CSAM).
  • EU home affairs commissioner, Ylva Johansson, said she plans to present the legislation early next year.
  • Johansson stated plans are in place to create a new EU centre to prevent and combat child sexual abuse, bringing together prevention, investigation, and assisting victims.
  • EU research has concluded that the EU alone accounts for 70 percent of all CSAM material hosted in the world.
  • Full story, here.

 

 

Home Office urged to stop housing asylum seekers in barracks   

  • A report published on Thursday urges the government to end the barrack-like accommodation used for people seeking asylum.
  • The asylum seekers housed, some of whom are children and families, have in some cases survived torture, trafficking and war.
  • The government should ensure that accommodation is in communities that support their wellbeing and recovery from trauma and promote relationship building.
  • Alison Thewliss, MP for Glasgow Central, stated that this type of accommodation is harmful to the most vulnerable in our society.
  • Thewliss expressed concern that children are among those staying in this quasi-detention accommodation.
  • Full story, here.

 

 

14 schools in Wales to add an hour to the school day  

  • Several schools in Wales are extending their day by an hour to help pupils catch up after the numerous COVID-19 lockdowns.
  • Headteachers are to decide how the extra time is spent.
  • The Welsh government is investing £2m on the trial, which could see the school day extended permanently.
  • The scheme has been designed to address issues such as children falling behind in lessons, experiencing mental health issues, and will be focused on supporting disadvantaged pupils.
  • This follows the statement by Amanda Spielman, Ofsted Chief Inspector, that children had struggled with ‘hokey-cokey education.’
  • Full story, here.