Almost two thirds of children own a smartphone by age 10

  • According to Ofcom’s “Online Nation” report, nearly two thirds of children own a smartphone by the age of 10.
  • This is despite more than a third reporting seeing something “worrying” or “nasty” online.
  • The proportion of smartphone ownership among pre-pubescent children has tripled in six years, rising from 24% in 2015.
  • The figures raise concerns about the risks to children, particularly if parents fail to supervise their access to the technology.
  • You can read the full story on the Telegraph’s website.

Instagram adds option to pin posts on profile

  • Instagram has officially launched its new option to pin posts to user profiles after testing the features for the last few months.
  • Users can now pin up to three posts (photos or Reels) to remain at the top of their profile grid.
  • A ‘Pin to Your Profile’ option has been added to the three dots function at the top right of any post.
  • For more information on staying safe on Instagram, check out our safety card.
  • You can read the full story on Social Media Today’s website.

Lockdown’s horrifying legacy of abuse

  • The York Citizens Advice and Independent Domestic Abuse Support (IDAS) are launching an initiative to help and support domestic abuse survivors.
  • During lockdown, 53% of survivors with children reported that children saw more abuse happening and 38% said their abuser increased abusive behaviour towards children.
  • The initiative will offer a ‘wrap-around service’ to help anyone, offering non-judgemental practical and emotional support and help with finances.
  • You can read the full story on the York Press website.

Children’s trust at Star Hobson council to ‘go live’ next year

  • A report to Bradford Council’s executive has confirmed that a new children’s trust will ‘go live’ next year as part of the response to the murder of toddler Star Hobson.
  • Plans for the ‘Bradford Children’s Company’, which will run children’s services in the city were put in place following a report that highlighted local failures in the case.
  • The report has also enabled the recruitment of a new chief executive, following the appointment of Eileen Milner as the chair of the new trust last month.
  • You can read the full story on Local Gov’s website.

Fines for parents rise as schools try to reach absent kids

  • Parents in England have been issued £3.7m in fines so far this academic year, as schools try to encourage children to stop missing school.
  • The number of non-attendance fines being handed out dropped off during the pandemic due to self-isolation rules, lockdowns, and home learning.
  • There is a growing concern since figures showed that almost 1.8 million children regularly missed school in the first term of this academic year.
  • You can read the full story on the BBC’s website.