TikTok tests new ‘Re-Post’ option

  • TikTok is testing a new ‘Repost’ option that enables users to re-share TikTok clips to their followers.
  • This feature aims to boost clip distribution by sharing it in the ‘Following’ and ‘For You’ feeds.
  • A ‘Repost’ button appears in the sharing options of each video.
  • Any reshared videos will be displayed as ‘Reposted’.
  • The feature is only available for some users and a wide release date hasn’t been made available.
  • Full story, here.

 

Childline warns of increase in self-harm and suicidal ideation

  • Childline has reported a surge in young callers expressing suicidal thoughts in recent weeks following a growing sense of anxiety about the pandemic.
  • Over the past month, between 25 to 30 children a week have contacted ChildLine about suicidal feelings.
  • Most calls with suicide ideation have been made by young girls, while boys tend to use the service more overall.
  • This follows a report about an increase in calls made about loneliness, peaking at nearly 600 counselling sessions for December alone.
  • Full story, here.

 

Emotional abuse of children in UK

  • A statistical briefing by the NSPCC highlights the occurrence of emotional abuse of children across the UK.
  • There were over 34,000 police-recorded offences related to emotional abuse in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in 2019/20.
  • Around 1 in 15 children in the UK have been emotionally abused by a parent or carer.
  • Emotional abuse is the most common concern in Wales, second most recorded in England and Scotland and third recorded concern in Northern Ireland.
  • Full briefing, here.

Remote learning plans in place in case of school closure

  • Many schools in the UK are ensuring their online learning provision is ready to go in case schools can’t open fully in the new year.
  • Current guidance outlines that in-person teaching is to continue after Christmas.
  • In England, additional measures will be put in place, including testing and improved classroom ventilation
  • In Scotland, schools are being urged to remain open following the new advice on limiting spread.
  • Schools in Wales can take two “planning days” at start of term to assess staffing and necessary measures.
  • A teaching union in Northern Ireland has called for a phased return to school.
  • Full story, here.