1 in 4 parents believe child is addicted to gaming, research suggests
- Research from digital identity security specialists, ID Crypt Global, has revealed that a quarter of parents in the UK believe their child is addicted to gaming, with them becoming annoyed, frustrated or angry from playing their gaming device.
- The survey of over 1,300 UK parents found that a third said their child games for more than 10 hours a week.
- 42% of parents reported that their child spends less time outside because they game, with 23% reporting that that their child is addicted to gaming.
- The CEO and Founder of ID Crypt Global, Lauren Wilson-Smith stated: “The dangers of online gaming and the platform it provides for strangers to communicate with our children have been long documented, but it’s fair to say that the evolution of gaming has also presented other concerns far beyond these immediate safety threats.”
- She continued, stating that children are exposed to the “highs and lows of gambling at a far younger age, encouraging addictive behaviour in the process”.
- Lauren argued that it is vital we have security measures in place to monitor activities and act if needed.
- For more, please visit the Tech Digest website.
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Child abuse ring victims suffered ‘horrific ordeal’
- Five men and three women in Scotland have been found guilty of abusing children after a trial that is believed to have been the largest prosecution of a child abuse ring.
- The court heard that four children, all under 13, were introduced to drugs and exposed to sexual abuse and violence. The offences include rape, attempted murder and assault.
- Seven of the accused were convicted of sexual abuse (including rape) and four were found guilty of attempting to murder a young girl by trapping her in various places including a cupboard.
- Charges relating to causing the children to take part in seances and witchcraft were dropped during the two-month trial.
- There were said to have been “rape nights” and “dance and sex nights” in a Glasgow drugs den.
- Colin Anderson, the independent chair of Glasgow’s Child Protection Committee, said it had been a “highly complex case” and the circumstances of the children involved would be subject to a multiple agency review.
- For more, please visit the BBC News website.
‘Massive’ increase in young Scots vaping, MSPs told
- Public Health Scotland consultant Dr Garth Reid said a 2022 survey found 10% of 13-year-olds and 25% of 15-year-olds were using vapes.
- The UK Vaping Industry Association said e-cigarettes should be celebrated for helping people to stop smoking and said a ban would create a black market.
- Sheila Duffy, Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) Scotland chief executive reported that the increase is “driven by products that are marketed pretty much entirely at children, through bright colours, sweetie flavours, the way they are designed, the price point, the availability”.
- Ms Duffy stated that paediatricians were “extremely concerned” and were warning of “huge” health risks.
- Professor Emily Banks of the Nuffield Department of Population Health stated that e-cigarettes have been linked to health issues, including loss of consciousness, poisoning, seizures, lung injuries, burns and deaths.
- The first minister said disposable vapes could be banned in Scotland: “I’m pleased to announce that this government will consult on curbing the sale of disposable single-use vapes, including consulting on an outright ban.”
- For more, please visit the BBC News website.
Northampton gaming café used to combat gang culture
- The Yard is a gaming café on Gold Street in Northampton, that gives young people who might get caught up in gang behaviour a safe space to go to.
- The “Games Against Gangs” initiative has received £95,188 in funding from Children in Need.
- The initiative is a way for young people to learn to work together and offers a chance to talk about internet safety and other issues.
- Debbie Harrison, a youth worker for the Games Against Gangs initiative, stated: “It’s a safe space for young people to be in, so they’re not out on the streets in the town centre, not the possibility of getting caught up in gangs and drugs and other alcohol related things.”
- She said it is a safe space where they “can get advice and help and support”.
- For more, please visit the BBC News website.
