Google will let you request fewer ads about weight loss and dating

  • Google is expanding its sensitive ad category options to let users limit ads they see about topics like dating, pregnancy, parenting and weight loss.
  • The feature was originally introduced to let people see fewer ads on YouTube about gambling and alcohol products.
  • These settings will now apply to all of Google’s display network and not just YouTube ads.
  • You can read the full story on the Verge’s website.

Snapchat’s Dress up feature turns your phone into AR shopping mall

  • Snapchat announced at its Creator Summit that it is expanding its AR try-on features.
  • This will allow users to virtually try on glasses and clothes.
  • They are also creating an in-app hub called ‘Dress Up’ in the hopes it will be the future of shopping malls.
  • The feature will allow users to try items on, take pictures of how it looks, share it with friends and allow you to purchase the items.
  • You can read the full story on the Verge’s website.

Instagram expands live testing of 90 second Reels

  • Instagram is expanding the testing of 90-second Reels to more users after announcing the initial test period in February.
  • Users will now have the option to create Reels of up to a minute and a half long, an increase of 30 seconds from the current 60-second limit.
  • A wider official release date has not been announced yet.
  • You can read the full story on the Social Media Today’s website.

Number of children in custody set to double by 2024 in England and Wales

  • The government expects the number of children in custody in England and Wales to more than double by September 2024.
  • A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) found that court recovery from the pandemic and the recruitment of extra police officers will drive the number of young people in custody.
  • It is also expected that the number of children aged 15 to 17 in young offender institutions will double between 2021 and 2025.
  • You can read the full story on the ITV’s website.

Ban permanent exclusions from English primary schools

  • The former children’s commissioner for England, Anne Longfield, claims that primary schools should no longer permanently exclude pupils from 2026.
  • She argues that exclusions can be highly damaging to those affected, putting young people at risk of exploitation, serious violence and criminal activity.
  • Anne Longfield is also calling for greater efforts by secondary schools to reduce exclusions.
  • You can read the full story on The Guardian’s website.