A social enterprise providing education and information to protect and enhance the mental health of young people
The year 2012 was the moment our kids lost their childhood. Recent research out of the United States reveals a sharp decrease in wellbeing among adolescents from 2012 onwards — the year when smartphone ownership became commonplace among teens. Using survey data from 1.1 million young people, the researchers found that adolescents who spent more time on [...]
An app that rewards students for time spent away from their phones is being released in the UK. Hold was developed by three students who met at Copenhagen Business School and wanted to develop something to help with the issue of device distraction. It has proved popular in Scandinavia, with more than 120,000 users across [...]
At first glance they look innocent enough. But most parents don’t realise these common apps are seriously damaging our kids. Children as young as three are being taught to critique their own bodies and appearance through “dangerous” cosmetic surgery apps, experts have warned. A range of these games can be found on various app stores, [...]
A wildly popular anonymous messaging app has been removed from the Apple and Google stores after accusations that it has been facilitating bullying. But the company's chief executive denies the claims and says the app isn't meant to be used by younger teens. Katrina Collins was appalled by the anonymous messages her 13-year-old daughter was [...]
An anonymous website where children can report harmful behaviour is uncovering self-harm clubs, drug dealing, bullying and illegal activity at an increasing rate. Former Sunshine Coast teacher Rachel Downie started Stymie several years ago to provide a safe space for bystander children to speak up without fear. After a school signs up to the program, students can [...]
Being a parent can be terrifying. You spend your days trying to protect tiny humans when every instinct in their body is telling them to rebel against your good advice. Toddlers have a meltdown when forced to hold hands while crossing the road and teenagers sulk when you tell them they cannot have a phone or [...]
Cybersecurity experts have recommended that the government increase the digital age of consent from 13 to 16 because of safety risks for children. They were “unequivocally” opposed to the Irish government’s position where children can sign legal agreements with online service providers at 13 and have their personal information sold on to third parties. An [...]
New research by Amnesty International has revealed the alarming impact that abuse and harassment on social media are having on women in Australia, with women reporting stress, anxiety, or panic attacks as a result of these harmful online experiences. The organisation commissioned an Ipsos MORI online poll which looked at the experiences of 502 women [...]
A group of ex-Facebook, Google, and Apple employees have announced the formation of The Center for Humane Technology, a coalition designed to fight the growing threat of tech addiction among teens and adolescents, the New York Times reports. The coalition will first launch a campaign called The Truth About Tech. One of the main goals is [...]
Children as young as four will now be trained in cybersecurity due to concerns they are at risk of being targeted online by child sex offenders. The Federal Government has announced the ThinkUKnow cybersafety program will be extended to children in kindergarten and years one and two. The program, aimed at parents, teachers and until [...]
