A report titled 'Food Heals Report 2024,'&nbsp;by Cuddles Foundation revealed that malnutrition significantly impacts childhood cancer treatment in India and most children diagnosed with cancer are undernourished.&nbsp;

According to the report, 57 per cent to 61 per cent of&nbsp;children diagnosed with cancer&nbsp;are undernourished.&nbsp;

The report stated that 65 per cent of newly diagnosed paediatric cancer patients in India consume less than half of their daily required calories and protein, which weakens their ability to tolerate cancer treatments.&nbsp;

An estimated 76,000 children are diagnosed with cancer annually in India, and between 57 per cent to 61 per cent of them are undernourished by the time they receive their first nutrition consultation.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;WHO-backed study: Mobile phones not linked to brain cancer

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The report noted that widespread malnutrition affects children's ability to tolerate treatment, leading to more complications, infections, and poorer treatment outcomes.&nbsp;
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It further highlighted the critical role nutrition plays in paediatric oncology care, adding that malnutrition remains a key barrier to effective treatment.&nbsp;

In India, the survival rates and quality of life for thousands of children with cancer are compromised due to inadequate nutrition.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-conflict-aid-group-says-children-at-risk-of-dying-in-darfur-as-rsf-blocks-medical-supplies-747353">Also read:&nbsp;Sudan conflict: Aid group says children at risk of dying in Darfur as RSF blocks medical supplies</a>

Purnota Dutta Bahl, founder and CEO of Cuddles Foundation, stressed the urgent need for increased awareness and support to address this issue.

"The findings of the Food Heals Report 2024 underscore a heartbreaking reality, malnutrition continues to be one of the greatest challenges in pediatric cancer care. Proper nutrition gives these brave children the strength to endure grueling treatments and the best chance at recovery," she said.

She further called for more specialised nutritionists, better training, and the prioritisation of nutrition as an integral part of cancer care.&nbsp;

"Together, we can ensure that no child loses their battle because they lack proper nutrition," she added.

(With reports from agencies)

A report titled 'Food Heals Report 2024,' by Cuddles Foundation revealed that malnutrition significantly impacts childhood cancer treatment in India and most children diagnosed with cancer are undernourished.

A report titled 'Food Heals Report 2024,' by Cuddles Foundation revealed that malnutrition significantly impacts childhood cancer treatment in India and most children diagnosed with cancer are undernourished. According to the report, 57 per cent to 61 per cent of children diagnosed with cancer are undernourished. The report stated that 65 per cent of newly diagnosed paediatric cancer patients in India consume less than half of their daily required calories and protein, which weakens their ability to tolerate cancer treatments. An estimated 76,000 children are diagnosed with cancer annually in India, and between 57 per cent to 61 per cent of them are undernourished by the time they receive their first nutrition consultation. Watch: WHO-backed study: Mobile phones not linked to brain cancer × The report noted that widespread malnutrition affects children's ability to tolerate treatment, leading to more complications, infections, and poorer treatment outcomes. It further highlighted the critical role nutrition plays in paediatric oncology care, adding that malnutrition remains a key barrier to effective treatment. In India, the survival rates and quality of life for thousands of children with cancer are compromised due to inadequate nutrition. Also read: Sudan conflict: Aid group says children at risk of dying in Darfur as RSF blocks medical supplies Purnota Dutta Bahl, founder and CEO of Cuddles Foundation, stressed the urgent need for increased awareness and support to address this issue. "The findings of the Food Heals Report 2024 underscore a heartbreaking reality, malnutrition continues to be one of the greatest challenges in pediatric cancer care. Proper nutrition gives these brave children the strength to endure grueling treatments and the best chance at recovery," she said. She further called for more specialised nutritionists, better training, and the prioritisation of nutrition as an integral part of cancer care. "Together, we can ensure that no child loses their battle because they lack proper nutrition," she added. (With reports from agencies)

Majority of children diagnosed with cancer in India are 'malnourished': Report

It's a general notion that some children are born brilliant and excel at studies, while others 'with less intelligence' lag behind in academic performance. A large new study seeks to bust this myth, having found that motivation, self-regulation, grit and perseverance help children become better at studies.

These non-cognitive skills that are part of emotional intelligence and also include academic interest and value attributed to learning, are as important as intelligence- a largely genetic attribute- in determining academic success, found the study.

Watch: AI is spying on students 
&nbsp;

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The researchers followed the development of 10,000 children in the UK, including siblings, to reach the conclusions.

Fostering non-cognitive skills alongside cognitive abilities could significantly improve educational outcomes, said the authors of the study published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/autistic-11-year-old-girl-beats-albert-einstein-stephen-hawkings-iq-scores-590778">Also Read: Autistic 11-year-old girl beats IQ scores of Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking</a> 
&nbsp;

"Our research challenges the long-held assumption that intelligence is the primary driver of academic achievement," said Dr Margherita Malanchini at Queen Mary University of London, who did the study along with Dr Andrea Allegrini at University College London.

<h2>Non-cognitive skills vs genetic factors</h2>

The findings challenge the traditional view of educational achievement as determined largely by intelligence, which is largely a genetic attribute.&nbsp;

Instead, it suggests that a child's "emotional and behavioural makeup, influenced by both genes and environment, plays a crucial role in their educational journey," said the release.&nbsp;

<h2>How the study was done</h2>

The study followed 10,000 children from age seven to 16 in England and Wales, using "a combination of twin studies and DNA-based analyses to examine the interplay between genes, environment, and academic performance," said the release.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/inheritance-of-attraction-study-claims-children-of-attractive-parents-earn-more-687432">Also Read: Inheritance of attraction? 'Hot parents' study claims children of attractive people earn more</a> 
&nbsp;

By analysing DNA of study participants, researchers constructed a "polygenic score" for non-cognitive skills, essentially a genetic snapshot of a child's predisposition towards these skills, it said.&nbsp;

"We discovered that genetic effects associated with non-cognitive skills become increasingly predictive of academic achievement over the school years, in fact their effect nearly doubles between the ages of 7 and 16," Dr Allegrini said.

"By the end of compulsory education, genetic dispositions towards non-cognitive skills were equally as important as those related to cognitive abilities in predicting academic success."&nbsp;

<h2>Children in same families differ in approach to studies</h2>

Children within the family may shape their own learning experiences based on their personality, dispositions and abilities.

"We found that while family-wide processes play a significant role, the increasing influence of non-cognitive genetics on academic achievement remained evident even within families," said Allegrini.&nbsp;

"Our education system has traditionally focused on cognitive development," said Dr Malanchini.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

It's a general notion that some children are born brilliant and excel at studies, while others 'with less intelligence' lag behind in academic performance. A large new study seeks to bust this myth, having found that motivation, self-regulation, grit and perseverance help children become better at studies.

It's a general notion that some children are born brilliant and excel at studies, while others 'with less intelligence' lag behind in academic performance. A large new study seeks to bust this myth, having found that motivation, self-regulation, grit and perseverance help children become better at studies. These non-cognitive skills that are part of emotional intelligence and also include academic interest and value attributed to learning, are as important as intelligence- a largely genetic attribute- in determining academic success, found the study. Watch: AI is spying on students × The researchers followed the development of 10,000 children in the UK, including siblings, to reach the conclusions. Fostering non-cognitive skills alongside cognitive abilities could significantly improve educational outcomes, said the authors of the study published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour. Also Read: Autistic 11-year-old girl beats IQ scores of Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking "Our research challenges the long-held assumption that intelligence is the primary driver of academic achievement," said Dr Margherita Malanchini at Queen Mary University of London, who did the study along with Dr Andrea Allegrini at University College London. Non-cognitive skills vs genetic factors The findings challenge the traditional view of educational achievement as determined largely by intelligence, which is largely a genetic attribute. Instead, it suggests that a child's "emotional and behavioural makeup, influenced by both genes and environment, plays a crucial role in their educational journey," said the release. How the study was done The study followed 10,000 children from age seven to 16 in England and Wales, using "a combination of twin studies and DNA-based analyses to examine the interplay between genes, environment, and academic performance," said the release. Also Read: Inheritance of attraction? 'Hot parents' study claims children of attractive people earn more By analysing DNA of study participants, researchers constructed a "polygenic score" for non-cognitive skills, essentially a genetic snapshot of a child's predisposition towards these skills, it said. "We discovered that genetic effects associated with non-cognitive skills become increasingly predictive of academic achievement over the school years, in fact their effect nearly doubles between the ages of 7 and 16," Dr Allegrini said. "By the end of compulsory education, genetic dispositions towards non-cognitive skills were equally as important as those related to cognitive abilities in predicting academic success." Children in same families differ in approach to studies Children within the family may shape their own learning experiences based on their personality, dispositions and abilities. "We found that while family-wide processes play a significant role, the increasing influence of non-cognitive genetics on academic achievement remained evident even within families," said Allegrini. "Our education system has traditionally focused on cognitive development," said Dr Malanchini. (With inputs from agencies)

Intelligence alone doesn't make children excel at studies; it takes grit and perseverance too: Study

Did you know that some so-called 'smart toys' may be spying on your kids' behaviour patterns? A shocking study into 12 such toys found breaches of security and privacy, with the toys recording and transmitting user&nbsp;data to toy manufacturers.

The study examined smart toys like Toniebox, Tiptoi smart pen,&nbsp;Edurino learning app, Tamagotchi virtual pet, Moorebot mobile robot and chlidren's smart phone Kidibuzz. These toys employ interactive play through software apps and internet.&nbsp;

Watch: Smart devices evesdropping for ad targeting and listening to your conversations secretly? 
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&nbsp;

"Many of these toys raise privacy concerns, and some even collect extensive behavioral data about children," said the researchers at the University of Basel, Switzerland in a release.

Take the case of Toniebox in which children can use figurines that, when put into a box, would play music and audio content. The researchers found that the toy records exactly when the toy is activated and by which figurine, when the child stops playback, and to which spot they rewind or fast-forward, said the release.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-shuts-down-customers-smart-home-devices-over-false-racism-claims-605214">Also read: Amazon shuts down customer's smart home devices over false racism claims</a>

Such data is sent to the manufacturer, found the study headed by Prof Isabel Wagner of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Basel.&nbsp;

For the study to be presented at the Annual Privacy Forum in September, the researchers looked into data traffic encryption, data protection, transparency and compliance with the European Union General Data Protection Regulation.&nbsp;

They found that Toniebox and the Tiptoi Pen do not securely encrypt data traffic.

Toniebox collects data and sends to the manufacturer.&nbsp;"Even if the Toniebox were operated offline and only temporarily connected to the internet while downloading new audio content, the device could store collected data locally and transmit it to the manufacturer at the next opportunity," said Wagner, a professor of cyber security.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/elon-musk-threatens-apple-device-ban-over-openai-integration-730630">Also read: Elon Musk threatens Apple device ban over OpenAI integration</a> 
 
In another toy that integrates ChatGPT, the researchers found that log data "regularly vanishes,” said Wagner, adding the system is probably set up to delete the local copy of transmitted data to optimise internal storage use.

The ChatGPT toy transmits a data stream that looks like audio. "Perhaps the company wants to optimise speech recognition for children’s voices," said Wagner.&nbsp;

While companies claim the data helps optimise the devices, it's not clear to users what purpose this data could serve.

“The apps bundled with some of these toys demand entirely unnecessary access rights, such as to a smartphone’s location or microphone,” said Wagner.

“Children’s privacy requires special protection,” said Julika Feldbusch, first author of the study.

She said toy manufacturers should place greater weight on privacy and security of their products.

“Well-informed parents engage with the issue and can choose toys that do not create behavioural profiles of their children. But many lack the technical knowledge or don’t have time to think about this stuff in detail,” Feldbusch.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Did you know that some so-called 'smart toys' may be spying on your kids' behaviour patterns? A shocking study into 12 such toys found breaches of security and privacy, with the toys recording and transmitting user data to toy manufacturers.

Did you know that some so-called 'smart toys' may be spying on your kids' behaviour patterns? A shocking study into 12 such toys found breaches of security and privacy, with the toys recording and transmitting user data to toy manufacturers. The study examined smart toys like Toniebox, Tiptoi smart pen, Edurino learning app, Tamagotchi virtual pet, Moorebot mobile robot and chlidren's smart phone Kidibuzz. These toys employ interactive play through software apps and internet. Watch: Smart devices evesdropping for ad targeting and listening to your conversations secretly? × "Many of these toys raise privacy concerns, and some even collect extensive behavioral data about children," said the researchers at the University of Basel, Switzerland in a release. Take the case of Toniebox in which children can use figurines that, when put into a box, would play music and audio content. The researchers found that the toy records exactly when the toy is activated and by which figurine, when the child stops playback, and to which spot they rewind or fast-forward, said the release. Also read: Amazon shuts down customer's smart home devices over false racism claims Such data is sent to the manufacturer, found the study headed by Prof Isabel Wagner of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Basel. For the study to be presented at the Annual Privacy Forum in September, the researchers looked into data traffic encryption, data protection, transparency and compliance with the European Union General Data Protection Regulation. They found that Toniebox and the Tiptoi Pen do not securely encrypt data traffic. Toniebox collects data and sends to the manufacturer. "Even if the Toniebox were operated offline and only temporarily connected to the internet while downloading new audio content, the device could store collected data locally and transmit it to the manufacturer at the next opportunity," said Wagner, a professor of cyber security. Also read: Elon Musk threatens Apple device ban over OpenAI integration In another toy that integrates ChatGPT, the researchers found that log data "regularly vanishes,” said Wagner, adding the system is probably set up to delete the local copy of transmitted data to optimise internal storage use. The ChatGPT toy transmits a data stream that looks like audio. "Perhaps the company wants to optimise speech recognition for children’s voices," said Wagner. While companies claim the data helps optimise the devices, it's not clear to users what purpose this data could serve. “The apps bundled with some of these toys demand entirely unnecessary access rights, such as to a smartphone’s location or microphone,” said Wagner. “Children’s privacy requires special protection,” said Julika Feldbusch, first author of the study. She said toy manufacturers should place greater weight on privacy and security of their products. “Well-informed parents engage with the issue and can choose toys that do not create behavioural profiles of their children. But many lack the technical knowledge or don’t have time to think about this stuff in detail,” Feldbusch. (With inputs from agencies)

Some smart toys may be spying on your kids' behaviour patterns in breach of privacy

A former preschool teacher has been handed a&nbsp;28-year&nbsp;prison sentence&nbsp;after he was found guilty of more than 200 sexual offences against children, in a case which has led to widespread uproar in Taiwan.

The Taipei District Court judge found a 30-year-old&nbsp;man, identified as&nbsp;Mao, guilty of committing "vicious" crimes because of which six children suffered "severe physical and mental trauma". All the children were under the age of seven.

Anger has been brewing among the citizens of the island over the crimes committed by the&nbsp;former preschool teacher&nbsp;and the way it was earlier handled by the authorities.

A lot of people have underlined that after an initial report regarding his crimes emerged in 2022, Mao did not face suspension because of this more children became his victims.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-alleged-rape-case-police-say-victim-who-claimed-to-be-belgian-national-is-local-resident-750593">Pakistan: No evidence found in initial examination of alleged Belgian national’s sexual&nbsp;assault&nbsp;claim</a>

In July 2023, the police arrested Mao after complaints were filed by more parents against the kindergarten teacher.

"If the local government could have done a better job in 2022, there wouldn't be the tragedy in 2023," MP Lin Yueh-chin was quoted as saying by media outlets.

<h2>Parents speak against lack of transparency in Mao's child sexual abuse case</h2>

The parents said that there was a lack of transparency in the investigation of the case, adding&nbsp;that they were not given access to the investigation reports and the CCTV footage.

Last year, Mao faced suspension and was banned from teaching. The license of the kindergarten teacher was also revoked by the Taiwanese authorities.

Mao, on Friday (August 16), was convicted of multiple crimes, which included forcing children to film sexually explicit videos and raping them.

According to the documents submitted in the court, the crimes were committed by Mao when he was working at a private kindergarten in Taipei.

The teacher has a college degree in social work and joined the pre-school in September 2021.

Watch:&nbsp;UK private tutor jailed for 6 years, arrested for sexually abusing teenage boy

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The 30-year-old Mao was given the duties of assisting in teaching, managing CCTV, supervising lunch breaks as well as picking up and dropping off the children.

"The number of victims was large, the crime was vicious, the victims suffered severe physical and mental trauma, and the accused's attitude after committing the crimes was awful," said the judge.

The details of the case had left the people horrified after the media started exposing it earlier this year.

The first complaint was made against the teacher in July 2022. However, the investigation in the case was dropped after the authorities failed to find any evidence.

(With inputs from agencies)

A former preschool teacher has been handed a 28-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of more than 200 sexual offences against children, in a case which has led to widespread uproar in Taiwan.

A former preschool teacher has been handed a 28-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of more than 200 sexual offences against children, in a case which has led to widespread uproar in Taiwan. The Taipei District Court judge found a 30-year-old man, identified as Mao, guilty of committing "vicious" crimes because of which six children suffered "severe physical and mental trauma". All the children were under the age of seven. Anger has been brewing among the citizens of the island over the crimes committed by the former preschool teacher and the way it was earlier handled by the authorities. A lot of people have underlined that after an initial report regarding his crimes emerged in 2022, Mao did not face suspension because of this more children became his victims. Also Read: Pakistan: No evidence found in initial examination of alleged Belgian national’s sexual assault claim In July 2023, the police arrested Mao after complaints were filed by more parents against the kindergarten teacher. "If the local government could have done a better job in 2022, there wouldn't be the tragedy in 2023," MP Lin Yueh-chin was quoted as saying by media outlets. Parents speak against lack of transparency in Mao's child sexual abuse case The parents said that there was a lack of transparency in the investigation of the case, adding that they were not given access to the investigation reports and the CCTV footage. Last year, Mao faced suspension and was banned from teaching. The license of the kindergarten teacher was also revoked by the Taiwanese authorities. Mao, on Friday (August 16), was convicted of multiple crimes, which included forcing children to film sexually explicit videos and raping them. According to the documents submitted in the court, the crimes were committed by Mao when he was working at a private kindergarten in Taipei. The teacher has a college degree in social work and joined the pre-school in September 2021. Watch: UK private tutor jailed for 6 years, arrested for sexually abusing teenage boy The 30-year-old Mao was given the duties of assisting in teaching, managing CCTV, supervising lunch breaks as well as picking up and dropping off the children. "The number of victims was large, the crime was vicious, the victims suffered severe physical and mental trauma, and the accused's attitude after committing the crimes was awful," said the judge. The details of the case had left the people horrified after the media started exposing it earlier this year. The first complaint was made against the teacher in July 2022. However, the investigation in the case was dropped after the authorities failed to find any evidence. (With inputs from agencies)

Teacher gets 28 years of imprisonment for more than 200 sexual offences against children in Taiwan

Use of humour by parents has a very positive impact on their relationship with children, according to a new study that highlighted the importance of laughing with your kids.

The pilot study led by Penn State University in the US had two major findings: That parents who used humour had a better relationship with their kids, and that children of parents with good humour sense considered their relationship more positively when they grew up.

"Humour can teach people cognitive flexibility, relieve stress, and promote creative problem solving and resilience," ScienceDaily quoted Benjamin Levi, the lead author of the study, as saying.

"My father used humour and it was very effective. I use humour in my clinical practice and with my own children," said Levi, a professor of paediatrics at Penn State College of Medicine. "The question became, how does one constructively use humour?"

<h2>How the study was done</h2>

For the study published in PLOS One journal, the researchers surveyed 312 respondents aged between 18 and 45.&nbsp;

Over 50 per cent of respondents said their parents used humour. And 71.8% agreed that humour can be an effective parenting tool. Most respondents do or plan to use humour with their children and believe that it has more potential benefit than harm,&nbsp;

Among the children who grew up with humourous parents, 50.5% said they had a good relationship with them, and 44.2% reported they felt their parents did a good job raising them, said ScienceDaily in a report on the study.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-do-i-need-it-underconsumption-core-trends-on-tiktok-749276">Do I need it? 'Underconsumption core' trends on TikTok</a>

This was in stark contrast to those whose parents did not use humour. Out of those who responded that their parents didn't use humour, only 2.9% reported a good relationship with them later in life. Only 3.6% of these respondents said they thought their parents did a good job raising them.

"My hope is that people can learn to use humour as an effective parenting tool, not only to diffuse tension but develop resilience and cognitive and emotional flexibility in themselves and model it for their children," Levi said.

Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cancer-rates-among-under-50s-risen-24-since-1995-why-are-so-many-young-adults-getting-the-disease-728246">Cancer rates among under 50s risen 24% since 1995, why are so many young adults getting the disease?</a>

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"There's an interesting parallel between business and parenting, which are both hierarchical. In business, humour has been shown to help reduce hierarchies, create better environments for collaboration and creativity and diffuse tension," said first author of the study Lucy Emery.&nbsp;

"While parent-child relationships are more loving than business relationships, stressful situations happen a lot when parenting. Humour can help diffuse that tension and hierarchy and help both parties feel better about a stressful situation."

(With inputs from agencies)

Use of humour by parents has a very positive impact on their relationship with children, according to a new study that highlighted the importance of laughing with your kids.

Use of humour by parents has a very positive impact on their relationship with children, according to a new study that highlighted the importance of laughing with your kids. The pilot study led by Penn State University in the US had two major findings: That parents who used humour had a better relationship with their kids, and that children of parents with good humour sense considered their relationship more positively when they grew up. "Humour can teach people cognitive flexibility, relieve stress, and promote creative problem solving and resilience," ScienceDaily quoted Benjamin Levi, the lead author of the study, as saying. "My father used humour and it was very effective. I use humour in my clinical practice and with my own children," said Levi, a professor of paediatrics at Penn State College of Medicine. "The question became, how does one constructively use humour?" How the study was done For the study published in PLOS One journal, the researchers surveyed 312 respondents aged between 18 and 45. Over 50 per cent of respondents said their parents used humour. And 71.8% agreed that humour can be an effective parenting tool. Most respondents do or plan to use humour with their children and believe that it has more potential benefit than harm, Among the children who grew up with humourous parents, 50.5% said they had a good relationship with them, and 44.2% reported they felt their parents did a good job raising them, said ScienceDaily in a report on the study. Also read: Do I need it? 'Underconsumption core' trends on TikTok This was in stark contrast to those whose parents did not use humour. Out of those who responded that their parents didn't use humour, only 2.9% reported a good relationship with them later in life. Only 3.6% of these respondents said they thought their parents did a good job raising them. "My hope is that people can learn to use humour as an effective parenting tool, not only to diffuse tension but develop resilience and cognitive and emotional flexibility in themselves and model it for their children," Levi said. Also watch: Cancer rates among under 50s risen 24% since 1995, why are so many young adults getting the disease? "There's an interesting parallel between business and parenting, which are both hierarchical. In business, humour has been shown to help reduce hierarchies, create better environments for collaboration and creativity and diffuse tension," said first author of the study Lucy Emery. "While parent-child relationships are more loving than business relationships, stressful situations happen a lot when parenting. Humour can help diffuse that tension and hierarchy and help both parties feel better about a stressful situation." (With inputs from agencies)

Want better relationship with your kids? Use more humour, says new study

In a strange incident, a Malaysian shaman was accused of carrying out abuse on children by performing a “blood kiss” ritual on them.&nbsp;

In the&nbsp;ritual, the shaman used to cut his tongue and then kiss the children while claiming that this ritual would cure their illness.

The ritual was carried out by the faith healer in a temple in Klang, Selangor, which is located on the west coast of Malaysia.

The shaman performed this ritual on various children who were brought to him for healing by their parents.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hu-xijin-china-bans-ex-editor-of-nationalist-tabloid-global-times-from-social-media-but-why-746594">Hu Xijin: China 'bans' ex-editor of nationalist tabloid Global Times from social media, but why?</a>

The temple documented the rituals by clicking its photographs which were later posted on social media. These images were circulated on the internet and ignited controversy.

<h2>Social media slams the shaman for such gory rituals</h2>

The netizens on social media slammed the parents for taking their children to the shaman and also accused him of child abuse. Some even called the behaviour unsanitary.

After the people had slammed the ritual online, the original posts were deleted by the temple, and its Facebook account has since been&nbsp;deactivated.

Speaking to China Press, Federation Of Taoist Associations Malaysia President Chen Hezhang said, “During the ‘blood kiss’ the child’s hands and feet appear to be restrained, and the child seems visibly uncomfortable, indicating they are not willingly accepting this method. Parents are advised against forcing their children to undergo such treatments – and excessive superstition."&nbsp;

While trying to defend his actions, the so-called shaman whose last name is&nbsp;Lin, said that he only intended to help the children&nbsp;and not harm them. He spoke about how&nbsp;divine intervention guides him.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;China carries out combat patrol near flashpoint reef

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“As a shaman, when a deity descends, it possesses my body and dictates the methods used to treat believers. As someone chosen by the deity, I must accept this role," he added.

Reacting to the social media, one netizen said, “The parents are the ones who need ‘treatment’ the most, not the child. Those superstitious parents should get their heads checked in a hospital instead of harming the next generation."

“If this can cure diseases, why do we still need doctors? Just kiss all the severely ill patients in the hospital. Start with the parents who brought their children there because they are clearly crazy,” another user said.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a strange incident, a Malaysian shaman was accused of carrying out abuse on children by performing a “blood kiss” ritual on them. In the ritual, the shaman used to cut his tongue and then kiss the children while claiming that this ritual would cure their illness.

In a strange incident, a Malaysian shaman was accused of carrying out abuse on children by performing a “blood kiss” ritual on them. In the ritual, the shaman used to cut his tongue and then kiss the children while claiming that this ritual would cure their illness. The ritual was carried out by the faith healer in a temple in Klang, Selangor, which is located on the west coast of Malaysia. The shaman performed this ritual on various children who were brought to him for healing by their parents. Also Read: Hu Xijin: China 'bans' ex-editor of nationalist tabloid Global Times from social media, but why? The temple documented the rituals by clicking its photographs which were later posted on social media. These images were circulated on the internet and ignited controversy. Social media slams the shaman for such gory rituals The netizens on social media slammed the parents for taking their children to the shaman and also accused him of child abuse. Some even called the behaviour unsanitary. After the people had slammed the ritual online, the original posts were deleted by the temple, and its Facebook account has since been deactivated. Speaking to China Press, Federation Of Taoist Associations Malaysia President Chen Hezhang said, “During the ‘blood kiss’ the child’s hands and feet appear to be restrained, and the child seems visibly uncomfortable, indicating they are not willingly accepting this method. Parents are advised against forcing their children to undergo such treatments – and excessive superstition." While trying to defend his actions, the so-called shaman whose last name is Lin, said that he only intended to help the children and not harm them. He spoke about how divine intervention guides him. Watch: China carries out combat patrol near flashpoint reef “As a shaman, when a deity descends, it possesses my body and dictates the methods used to treat believers. As someone chosen by the deity, I must accept this role," he added. Reacting to the social media, one netizen said, “The parents are the ones who need ‘treatment’ the most, not the child. Those superstitious parents should get their heads checked in a hospital instead of harming the next generation." “If this can cure diseases, why do we still need doctors? Just kiss all the severely ill patients in the hospital. Start with the parents who brought their children there because they are clearly crazy,” another user said. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysian shaman slammed for performing 'blood kiss' ritual on children. Here's what it is

The archaeologists were left stunned when they discovered dozens of graves of children, which belonged to the Bronze and Iron Ages,&nbsp;in southern Norway.

Each of the burials&nbsp;was&nbsp;marked with circles of meticulously placed stones&nbsp;and are said to be hundreds of years old. The discovery was made by a team from Norway's Museum of Cultural History,&nbsp;last year, nearly 50 miles (80 kilometres) south of Oslo, close to the Swedish border.

"They've lain here as a secret until we found them," said museum archaeologist Guro Fossum, while speaking to Science Norway. "We uncovered one after another and ended up with 41 round stone formations," he added.

The circles of stones, each of which measured up to six&nbsp;feet (two&nbsp;metres) across, were kept together. These circles were placed around a huge, central zone.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/archaeologists-discover-ruins-of-4000-year-old-temple-738555">Archaeologists discover ruins of 4,000-year-old ceremonial temple</a>

The archaeologists, after carrying out further investigations, found pottery shards and burned bones beneath those stones.

<h2>Children buried were infants or 3 to 6 years old</h2>

In a new analysis, it was discovered that nearly all the burials were graves of children who were killed between 800 and 200 BC.&nbsp;

Among them, many were infants and others were between three&nbsp;to six&nbsp;years old.

"The dating shows that the burial site was used over a long period, so they couldn't all have died in the same natural disaster or outbreak of disease or epidemic," said Fossum.

The museum, in a statement, said that such a concentration of the ancient graves of children is very unique in Europe.

The statement added that the area around the burial ground is filled with rock carvings which represent Sun worship and voyages.

Archaeologists have decided to analyse the artefacts recovered from the site, which include a metal brooch and pieces of pottery.

Watch:&nbsp;Greece: Athens Acropolis closes due to heatwave

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"Analyses of the pottery fragments can tell us a lot. It doesn't appear that all the vessels were containers for burnt bones; some were placed between the graves, and we are very curious about what was inside them," Fossum said.

He added that the burial ground was discovered by the archaeologists after they investigated a Stone Age settlement nearby.

However, Fossum said that the burial site at Fredrikstad was rather unusual.&nbsp;

"The graves are very close together. They must have been in an open landscape, with thoroughfares nearby, so everyone would have known about them. Cooking pits and fireplaces around the site suggest that gatherings and ceremonies were held in connection with burials," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The archaeologists were left stunned when they discovered dozens of graves of children, which belonged to the Bronze and Iron Ages, in southern Norway. Each of the burials was marked with circles of meticulously placed stones and are said to be hundreds of years old.

The archaeologists were left stunned when they discovered dozens of graves of children, which belonged to the Bronze and Iron Ages, in southern Norway. Each of the burials was marked with circles of meticulously placed stones and are said to be hundreds of years old. The discovery was made by a team from Norway's Museum of Cultural History, last year, nearly 50 miles (80 kilometres) south of Oslo, close to the Swedish border. "They've lain here as a secret until we found them," said museum archaeologist Guro Fossum, while speaking to Science Norway. "We uncovered one after another and ended up with 41 round stone formations," he added. The circles of stones, each of which measured up to six feet (two metres) across, were kept together. These circles were placed around a huge, central zone. Also Read: Archaeologists discover ruins of 4,000-year-old ceremonial temple The archaeologists, after carrying out further investigations, found pottery shards and burned bones beneath those stones. Children buried were infants or 3 to 6 years old In a new analysis, it was discovered that nearly all the burials were graves of children who were killed between 800 and 200 BC. Among them, many were infants and others were between three to six years old. "The dating shows that the burial site was used over a long period, so they couldn't all have died in the same natural disaster or outbreak of disease or epidemic," said Fossum. The museum, in a statement, said that such a concentration of the ancient graves of children is very unique in Europe. The statement added that the area around the burial ground is filled with rock carvings which represent Sun worship and voyages. Archaeologists have decided to analyse the artefacts recovered from the site, which include a metal brooch and pieces of pottery. Watch: Greece: Athens Acropolis closes due to heatwave "Analyses of the pottery fragments can tell us a lot. It doesn't appear that all the vessels were containers for burnt bones; some were placed between the graves, and we are very curious about what was inside them," Fossum said. He added that the burial ground was discovered by the archaeologists after they investigated a Stone Age settlement nearby. However, Fossum said that the burial site at Fredrikstad was rather unusual. "The graves are very close together. They must have been in an open landscape, with thoroughfares nearby, so everyone would have known about them. Cooking pits and fireplaces around the site suggest that gatherings and ceremonies were held in connection with burials," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Norway unearths graves of children buried for 600 years beneath ancient stone circles

In San Antonio, Texas, a woman has been arrested for leaving her three young children locked in the car for nearly an hour as she shopped.&nbsp;

The woman, identified as Angela Garza–Amador, was arrested on June 28 and charged with three counts of abandoning/endangering a child for leaving her children aged 1-month-old, 2-year-old, and 4-year-old in the car in 98 and 100° F (37° C)&nbsp;temperatures.

<h2>The rescue</h2>

Bystanders, as per CNN, alerted the police about a hot car that had distressed children locked inside.

San Antonio Police Department, in its preliminary report, said they discovered the three young children in the car.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texas-closes-operations-at-major-ports-braces-for-destruction-as-beryl-readies-to-make-landfall-738894">Texas closes operations at major ports, braces for destruction as Beryl readies to make landfall</a>

"The mother of the children was at the scene and stated she went inside a store and did not realize how long she was gone," said the police department, adding "Based on information gathered, the children were in the car for approximately 50 minutes."

The mother was released on bail a day after her arrest (June 29), reported the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.

A video of the children's rescue is being widely circulated on social media websites. It was captured by the woman who helped rescue the children.

You can watch it here:

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🚨🥵TEXAS WOMAN ARRESTED FOR LEAVING CHILDREN IN CAR IN 100+ DEGREE HEAT 
 
In San Antonio, Texas, 3 children, were left unattended in a non-running vehicle in triple-digit temperatures. 
 
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— Kacee Allen (@KaceeRAllen) <a href="https://twitter.com/KaceeRAllen/status/1807163966407274743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Talking to KENS, she said she was walking towards the children's store when she noticed a young boy in the car next to her.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/balcony-available-for-rent-in-sydney-for-969-rs-54000-check-out-the-mirror-738928">Balcony available for rent in Sydney for $969 (Rs 54,000). Check out the mirror!</a>

Recalling the incident, she told the news outlet that her "mother's instinct" kicked in, and she decided to look inside the car and saw another child. She then asked the store employees to call 911.

Meanwhile, she tried the car's doors. Upon finding one unlocked, she helped the children get out of the car, which as per reports would have had inside temperatures of around 130° F (outside temperature was between 98-100 degrees).

The children were transported to hospital for treatment and Child protective services were notified about the incident, said the police.

(With inputs from agencies)

In San Antonio, Texas, a woman has been arrested for leaving her three young children locked in the car for nearly an hour as she shopped. The woman, identified as Angela Garza–Amador, was arrested on June 28 and charged with three counts of abandoning/endangering a child for leaving her children aged 1-month-old, 2-year-old, and 4-year-old in the car in 98 and 100° F (37° C) temperatures.

In San Antonio, Texas, a woman has been arrested for leaving her three young children locked in the car for nearly an hour as she shopped. The woman, identified as Angela Garza–Amador, was arrested on June 28 and charged with three counts of abandoning/endangering a child for leaving her children aged 1-month-old, 2-year-old, and 4-year-old in the car in 98 and 100° F (37° C) temperatures. The rescue Bystanders, as per CNN, alerted the police about a hot car that had distressed children locked inside. San Antonio Police Department, in its preliminary report, said they discovered the three young children in the car. Also read | Texas closes operations at major ports, braces for destruction as Beryl readies to make landfall "The mother of the children was at the scene and stated she went inside a store and did not realize how long she was gone," said the police department, adding "Based on information gathered, the children were in the car for approximately 50 minutes." The mother was released on bail a day after her arrest (June 29), reported the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. A video of the children's rescue is being widely circulated on social media websites. It was captured by the woman who helped rescue the children. You can watch it here: 🚨🥵TEXAS WOMAN ARRESTED FOR LEAVING CHILDREN IN CAR IN 100+ DEGREE HEAT In San Antonio, Texas, 3 children, were left unattended in a non-running vehicle in triple-digit temperatures. pic.twitter.com/H5b6ovpRwU — Kacee Allen (@KaceeRAllen) June 29, 2024 × Talking to KENS, she said she was walking towards the children's store when she noticed a young boy in the car next to her. Also read | Balcony available for rent in Sydney for $969 (Rs 54,000). Check out the mirror! Recalling the incident, she told the news outlet that her "mother's instinct" kicked in, and she decided to look inside the car and saw another child. She then asked the store employees to call 911. Meanwhile, she tried the car's doors. Upon finding one unlocked, she helped the children get out of the car, which as per reports would have had inside temperatures of around 130° F (outside temperature was between 98-100 degrees). The children were transported to hospital for treatment and Child protective services were notified about the incident, said the police. (With inputs from agencies)

Texas mother arrested for leaving young children in boiling car while she went shopping

According to the latest UNICEF report - one child is being snatched off roof over their head in Haiti every minute and more than 300,000 children have been internally displaced.

More than 300,000 children displaced in Haiti since March, says UNICEF

In a harrowing incident in New Delhi, a thief stole a car with two young children inside and then demanded a staggering ransom of 50 lakh rupees (about $60,000) from the parents. The dramatic events unfolded in the Laxmi Nagar area of the national capital&nbsp;on Friday (June 28).

According to reports, the parents had briefly left their car unattended with their 2-year-old and 11-year-old children inside. They went into a nearby confectionery shop, Heera Sweets and&nbsp;during this time, an unknown individual seized the opportunity to steal the vehicle.

"The parents had briefly gone inside Heera Sweets to buy sweets when the car was stolen. When they came back, their vehicle and children were missing. Later, they approached the police and lodged a complaint," officials reportedly said.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/excise-policy-case-delhi-court-sends-arvind-kejriwal-to-judicial-custody-till-july-12-736297">Excise policy case: Delhi court sends Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody till July 12</a>

The thief then contacted the parents, using the mother's phone to negotiate the massive ransom demand. Delhi Police were immediately alerted and launched a pursuit that lasted over 3 hours.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-cji-chandrachuds-presence-bengal-cm-mamata-calls-for-judiciary-free-of-political-bias-736299">In CJI Chandrachud's presence, Bengal CM Mamata calls for judiciary free of political bias</a>

Thankfully, the police were able to track down the stolen vehicle and the children were safely recovered. The kidnapper ultimately abandoned the car after the lengthy chase but could not be&nbsp;apprehended till reports last came in.&nbsp;

<h2>Kidnapper constantly changed routes</h2>

Additional DCP East Avnish Kumar told ANI news agency,&nbsp;"The kidnapper was constantly changing his&nbsp;route. He reached Wazirabad via Ashok Nagar and then Outer North district. He realised that the police were chasing him, which is why he kept changing routes."&nbsp; 
 
"The accused also had a hammer and a knife," the additional DCP added.&nbsp;

<section>
Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/delhi-receives-record-breaking-rainfall-highest-in-88-years-736293">Delhi receives record breaking rainfall, highest in 88 years</a>

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Authorities are actively investigating the incident while looking at the CCTV footage and working to identify and apprehend the suspect.&nbsp;"The suspect will be arrested soon," officials said.
</section>

(With inputs from agencies)

In a harrowing incident in New Delhi, a thief stole a car with two young children inside and then demanded a staggering ransom of 50 lakh rupees (about $60,000) from the parents.

In a harrowing incident in New Delhi, a thief stole a car with two young children inside and then demanded a staggering ransom of 50 lakh rupees (about $60,000) from the parents. The dramatic events unfolded in the Laxmi Nagar area of the national capital on Friday (June 28). According to reports, the parents had briefly left their car unattended with their 2-year-old and 11-year-old children inside. They went into a nearby confectionery shop, Heera Sweets and during this time, an unknown individual seized the opportunity to steal the vehicle. "The parents had briefly gone inside Heera Sweets to buy sweets when the car was stolen. When they came back, their vehicle and children were missing. Later, they approached the police and lodged a complaint," officials reportedly said. Also Read | Excise policy case: Delhi court sends Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody till July 12 The thief then contacted the parents, using the mother's phone to negotiate the massive ransom demand. Delhi Police were immediately alerted and launched a pursuit that lasted over 3 hours. Also Read | In CJI Chandrachud's presence, Bengal CM Mamata calls for judiciary free of political bias Thankfully, the police were able to track down the stolen vehicle and the children were safely recovered. The kidnapper ultimately abandoned the car after the lengthy chase but could not be apprehended till reports last came in. Kidnapper constantly changed routes Additional DCP East Avnish Kumar told ANI news agency, "The kidnapper was constantly changing his route. He reached Wazirabad via Ashok Nagar and then Outer North district. He realised that the police were chasing him, which is why he kept changing routes." "The accused also had a hammer and a knife," the additional DCP added. Watch | Delhi receives record breaking rainfall, highest in 88 years × Authorities are actively investigating the incident while looking at the CCTV footage and working to identify and apprehend the suspect. "The suspect will be arrested soon," officials said. (With inputs from agencies)

Thief steals car with two children inside in Delhi, demands $60,000 in ransom

At least nine people, including three children, were killed after heavy monsoon rains in west&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;triggered&nbsp;landslides, an official said on Saturday.

Five members of a family were sleeping when their house was washed away by a landslide in Malika village in Gulmi district, about 250 km (156 miles) west of Kathmandu, according to Dizan Bhattarai, a spokesman for the National Disaster Rescue and Reduction Management Authority.

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“Bodies of all five have been recovered,” Bhattarai told Reuters, adding that the family included two children.

In neighbouring Syangja district, one woman and her three year old daughter died in a landslide that swept away their house, while in Baglung district, which borders Gulmi, two people were killed in another landslide.

Watch:&nbsp;20 dead in Nepal due to severe rain, floods and landslides

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At least 35 people across&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;have died in&nbsp;landslides, floods and lightning strikes since mid-June when annual monsoon rains started. Rains normally continue until mid-September.

Landslides&nbsp;and flash floods are common in mostly mountainous&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;during the monsoon season and kill hundreds of people every year.

At least nine people, including three children, were killed after heavy monsoon rains in west Nepal triggered landslides, an official said on Saturday. Five members of a family were sleeping when their house was washed away by a landslide in Malika village in Gulmi district, about 250 km (156 miles) west of Kathmandu, according to Dizan Bhattarai, a spokesman for the National Disaster Rescue and Reduction Management Authority.

At least nine people, including three children, were killed after heavy monsoon rains in west Nepal triggered landslides, an official said on Saturday. Five members of a family were sleeping when their house was washed away by a landslide in Malika village in Gulmi district, about 250 km (156 miles) west of Kathmandu, according to Dizan Bhattarai, a spokesman for the National Disaster Rescue and Reduction Management Authority. Also Read: High-level Nepal-China visits continue; outcome elusive “Bodies of all five have been recovered,” Bhattarai told Reuters, adding that the family included two children. In neighbouring Syangja district, one woman and her three year old daughter died in a landslide that swept away their house, while in Baglung district, which borders Gulmi, two people were killed in another landslide. Watch: 20 dead in Nepal due to severe rain, floods and landslides At least 35 people across Nepal have died in landslides, floods and lightning strikes since mid-June when annual monsoon rains started. Rains normally continue until mid-September. Landslides and flash floods are common in mostly mountainous Nepal during the monsoon season and kill hundreds of people every year.

Nepal landslides kill nine, including 3 children

A concerning UN report claims to have found evidence of violence against children reaching "extreme levels" in armed conflicts — particularly in Gaza and Sudan — in 2023.

Surged violence against children in Sudan and Gaza amid war like situations

One in four young children are at risk of stunted development due to restricted diet, a UN report has found. Such restricted diet, the report added, also harms children's brain development and chances of survival.&nbsp;

The United Nations previously designated "hunger hotspots" – including Palestine, Haiti and Mali – where access to food is likely to deteriorate in the coming months due to raging state of war.&nbsp;

In its latest report, UN's children's agency UNICEF assessed diets of under-five children. It found that nearly 181 million children from almost 100 countries consuming, at most, only two food groups on a daily basis – typically milk with a starchy food such as rice, maize or wheat.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deliberate-and-malicious-india-slams-harvard-study-claiming-67-million-children-zero-food-699568">'Deliberate and malicious': India slams Harvard study on so-called 'zero-food children'</a>

This meets the criteria for “severe food poverty” and means they are “children living on the brink”, according to Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s executive director.

"This can have an irreversible negative impact on their survival, growth and brain development," she said. "Children who consume just two food groups per day, for example rice and some milk, are up to 50 per cent more likely to experience severe forms of malnutrition."

<h2>Income inequality not sole reason for stunted growth: UN report</h2>

The report found that household income was not the only driver of diet quality. Children from wealthier households in some countries were also found to be living in severe food poverty due to a predominance of unhealthy and non-nutritious foods, and a lack of knowledge among parents about what a healthy diet should look like.

Less than 10 per cent of children in severe food poverty are fed fruit and vegetables, and less than 5 per cent meat, poultry and fish.

In west and central Africa, severe child food poverty fell from 42 per cent to 32 per cent over the past decade.

Also watch |&nbsp;Sudan civil war leaves 18 million starving nationwide, UN warns famine in large parts of country

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"Armed violence and conflict remain the primary causes of acute food insecurity across numerous hunger hotspots," UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme said.

Chad, the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Syria and Yemen were hotspots of “very high concern”, while Central African Republic, Lebanon, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Malawi, Somalia and Zimbabwe also remained on or joined the list.

(With inputs from agencies)

One in four young children are at risk of stunted development due to restricted diet, a UN report has found. Such restricted diet, the report added, also harms children's brain development and chances of survival.

One in four young children are at risk of stunted development due to restricted diet, a UN report has found. Such restricted diet, the report added, also harms children's brain development and chances of survival. The United Nations previously designated "hunger hotspots" – including Palestine, Haiti and Mali – where access to food is likely to deteriorate in the coming months due to raging state of war. In its latest report, UN's children's agency UNICEF assessed diets of under-five children. It found that nearly 181 million children from almost 100 countries consuming, at most, only two food groups on a daily basis – typically milk with a starchy food such as rice, maize or wheat. Also read | 'Deliberate and malicious': India slams Harvard study on so-called 'zero-food children' This meets the criteria for “severe food poverty” and means they are “children living on the brink”, according to Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s executive director. "This can have an irreversible negative impact on their survival, growth and brain development," she said. "Children who consume just two food groups per day, for example rice and some milk, are up to 50 per cent more likely to experience severe forms of malnutrition." Income inequality not sole reason for stunted growth: UN report The report found that household income was not the only driver of diet quality. Children from wealthier households in some countries were also found to be living in severe food poverty due to a predominance of unhealthy and non-nutritious foods, and a lack of knowledge among parents about what a healthy diet should look like. Less than 10 per cent of children in severe food poverty are fed fruit and vegetables, and less than 5 per cent meat, poultry and fish. In west and central Africa, severe child food poverty fell from 42 per cent to 32 per cent over the past decade. Also watch | Sudan civil war leaves 18 million starving nationwide, UN warns famine in large parts of country × "Armed violence and conflict remain the primary causes of acute food insecurity across numerous hunger hotspots," UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme said. Chad, the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Syria and Yemen were hotspots of “very high concern”, while Central African Republic, Lebanon, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Malawi, Somalia and Zimbabwe also remained on or joined the list. (With inputs from agencies)

One in four children under five at risk of stunted growth globally: UN report

Researchers have said that feeding children peanut products from infancy until the age of five cuts the risk of developing a peanut allergy during later years of life. They found that&nbsp;children who ate peanut pastes or puffed peanut snacks regularly from four to six months onwards were 71 per cent&nbsp;less likely to have a peanut allergy at age 13 than those who avoided peanuts.

The latest study, known as the Leap-Trio trial, followed 508 of the children to an average age of 13, during which time they were free to eat or avoid peanuts as they wished.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

In the West, the prevalence of peanut allergy can be as high as 1 in 200 individuals in some populations.

In the United Kingdom, peanut allergy is present in between 0.4 to 0.6 per cent of the whole population.

Researchers say that this simple dietary intervention could prevent about 10,000 cases of potentially life-threatening peanut allergies each year in the UK alone and cut worldwide&nbsp; cases by 100,000 annually.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-natural-protein-that-stops-allergies-and-autoimmune-conditions-369741">Scientists discover natural protein that stops allergies and autoimmune conditions</a>

"I strongly recommend that babies are introduced to peanuts by four months if they have eczema and by six months if they don’t have eczema," Gideon Lack, professor of paediatric allergy at King’s College London told the Guardian.

Babies with eczema are more at risk of developing peanut allergies as traces of the food can penetrate the skin more easily.

Earlier work by the same researchers found that regular consumption of peanut products from infancy reduced the risk of peanut allergy at age five by 81 per cent, compared with children who avoided peanuts for the same period.

The results of the study published in NEJM Evidence also show that the protection remained intact even after the children stopped consuming peanut butter after the age of 5.

"You will prevent the vast majority of peanut allergy, but for those cases where you aren’t able to prevent it, you can identify the children earlier when treating them is much easier," Lack was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

"Once they are at seven, eight, nine months of age, you have really missed the boat. But even if you do miss the boat, you identify children who have peanut allergy early and can treat them with immunotherapy."

Peanut butter or peanut puffs could be given to children who were still breastfeeding once they were able to manage soft foods, according to the researchers. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers have said that feeding children peanut products from infancy until the age of five cuts the risk of developing a peanut allergy during later years of life.

Researchers have said that feeding children peanut products from infancy until the age of five cuts the risk of developing a peanut allergy during later years of life. They found that children who ate peanut pastes or puffed peanut snacks regularly from four to six months onwards were 71 per cent less likely to have a peanut allergy at age 13 than those who avoided peanuts. The latest study, known as the Leap-Trio trial, followed 508 of the children to an average age of 13, during which time they were free to eat or avoid peanuts as they wished. What does it mean? In the West, the prevalence of peanut allergy can be as high as 1 in 200 individuals in some populations. In the United Kingdom, peanut allergy is present in between 0.4 to 0.6 per cent of the whole population. Researchers say that this simple dietary intervention could prevent about 10,000 cases of potentially life-threatening peanut allergies each year in the UK alone and cut worldwide cases by 100,000 annually. Also read | Scientists discover natural protein that stops allergies and autoimmune conditions "I strongly recommend that babies are introduced to peanuts by four months if they have eczema and by six months if they don’t have eczema," Gideon Lack, professor of paediatric allergy at King’s College London told the Guardian. Babies with eczema are more at risk of developing peanut allergies as traces of the food can penetrate the skin more easily. Earlier work by the same researchers found that regular consumption of peanut products from infancy reduced the risk of peanut allergy at age five by 81 per cent, compared with children who avoided peanuts for the same period. The results of the study published in NEJM Evidence also show that the protection remained intact even after the children stopped consuming peanut butter after the age of 5. "You will prevent the vast majority of peanut allergy, but for those cases where you aren’t able to prevent it, you can identify the children earlier when treating them is much easier," Lack was quoted as saying by The Guardian. "Once they are at seven, eight, nine months of age, you have really missed the boat. But even if you do miss the boat, you identify children who have peanut allergy early and can treat them with immunotherapy." Peanut butter or peanut puffs could be given to children who were still breastfeeding once they were able to manage soft foods, according to the researchers. (With inputs from agencies)

Peanut butter-like products can save your children from THIS allergy

A major breakthrough has been made in the field of science and reproductive medicine. Japanese research team has found a way of mass generating cells that are capable to turning into a sperm or ovum.

Can infertile humans have children with their own DNA?

Pakistani lawmaker Syed Mustafa Kamal, while speaking at the country's Parliament, compared the achievements of India with Karachi's precarious situation, taking New Delhi's successful moon landing mission as one of the examples.

Pakistani lawmaker Syed Mustafa Kamal, while speaking at the country's Parliament, compared the achievements of India with Karachi's precarious situation, taking New Delhi's successful moon landing mission as one of the examples. Muttahida Quami Movement Pakistan's (MQM-P) leader said that on the one hand, India has been successfully landing on the moon and on the other hand Karachi has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. India Is On The Moon, We're failing Our Kids - Pakistan MP's Statement Goes Viral While Delhi is going to the Moon, Pakistani kids are falling into gutters and dying, Syed Mustafa Kamal told parliament on Wednesday. Highlighting issues of no fresh water in Karachi & issues… pic.twitter.com/iNbxl7kUje — RT_India (@RT_India_news) May 16, 2024 × "Today, the condition in Karachi is that, while the world is going to the moon, children are dying by falling into the gutter in Karachi. On the same screen, there is news that India landed on the moon, and just after two seconds, the news is that a child died in an open gutter in Karachi," said Kamal, in his address to the Parliament on Wednesday (May 15). Also Read: Taliban cancel Pakistan delegation’s Kandahar visit following airstrikes by Islamabad Pakistani MP speaks about Karachi's struggle for freshwater The lawmaker spoke about Karachi facing scarcity of fresh water. Citing a report, he said that around seven million children in Karachi and more than 26 million children in Pakistan are not enrolled in schools. "Karachi is the revenue engine of Pakistan. The two seaports operational in Pakistan since its inception, are both in Karachi. We (Karachi) are the gateway to the entire Pakistan, Central Asia to Afghanistan...For 15 years, Karachi was not given even a bit of fresh water. Even the water that came, the tanker mafia hoarded it and sold it to the people of Karachi," said MP Kamal. Watch: Gravitas | Pakistani-American businessman: 'Hope Pak gets a leader like PM Modi' "We have a total of 48,000 schools, but a new report says that out of that 11,000 are 'ghost schools'. 70 lakh children in Sindh don't go to school and a total of 2,62,00,000 children in the country don't go to school...if we just focus on this, the leaders of the country shouldn't even get proper sleep," the parliamentarian said. Last year in August, India's Chandrayaan-3 lander became the country's first spacecraft to have safely reached the lunar surface. India also emerged as the first nation to land on the South Pole of the moon. Pakistan, meanwhile, has been facing an economic crisis amid increasing debts and high inflation. The country has sought from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) a new loan programme under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Currently, a team of the IMF is in Pakistan to discuss the issue. (With inputs from agencies)

'India landed on the moon, while our children die in gutter': Pakistani MP's rant goes viral

In a voting session held in Sydney's Cumberland Council, it was decided that a same-sex parenting book would be banned from its libraries. Cumberland Council includes the western Sydney suburbs of Merrylands, Granville and Auburn.

In a voting session held in Sydney's Cumberland Council, it was decided that a same-sex parenting book would be banned from its libraries. Cumberland Council includes the western Sydney suburbs of Merrylands, Granville and Auburn. The amendment was tabled by former mayor and current councillor Steve Christou in which it was proposed "that council take immediate action to rid same-sex parents books/materials in council's library service". Interestingly, Christou had not read the book on which the debate was being carried out. In the council's meeting, Christou brandished the book which he claimed received “really disturbing” constituent complaints and said that parents were “distraught” to see the book. The book in contention was Same-Sex Parents by Holly Duhig which was kept on the shelf in the children’s section of the library. According to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald, the motion was passed as six councillors voted in favour of the amendment and five voted against it. A picture of the book was held up by Christou as he claimed that the book sparked multiple complaints from his constituents. On the book's cover, a gay male couple and their young son were featured. Also Read: Australia anticipates a smaller revenue upgrade citing global economic weakness “We’re going to make it clear tonight that … these kind of books, same-sex parents books, don’t find their way to our kids,” said Christou, during the debate. “Our kids shouldn’t be sexualised. This community is a very religious community, a very family-orientated community," he added, “They don’t want such controversial issues going against their beliefs indoctrinated in their libraries. This is not Marrickville or Newtown, this is the Cumberland city council," Christou said. Christou further stated that toddlers shouldn’t be “exposed” to same-sex content and added that the proposed amendment was “for the protection and safety of our children”. “Hands off our kids,” he said. Auburn MP Lynda Voltz raised concern over the resolution and appealed to NSW Arts Minister John Graham to look into the issue. “I am greatly concerned at the decision of Cumberland council and believe that it may possibly risk breaching the guidelines for funding of libraries and may also be in breach of the Anti-Discrimination Act,” Voltz said. “The overwhelming majority of the people in Auburn will tell you that everyone is welcome and we pride ourselves on being a peaceful and friendly community," the MP stated. Minister holds council responsible for censorship The council was accused by Graham of engaging in censorship. “When civilisations turn to burning books or banning books it is a very bad sign. That is equally true for local councils,” the minister said. Watch: Sydney Church Stabbing: Priest stabbed multiple times during sermon “It is up to readers to choose which book to take off the shelf. It should not be up to local councillors to make that choice for them or engage in censorship," he added. He stated that the decision could impact the ability of the library to receive funding from the government. Mayor Lisa Lake opposed the motion and stated she was “appalled and saddened” by the result. Lake claimed that the book had been kept in the library since 2019 and its presence was “nothing new”. (With inputs from agencies)

Same-sex parenting book banned in Sydney libraries to ensure ‘safety of children’

An eighth-standard boy was sexually assaulted by his classmates using a stick in Delhi. A mother from Karnataka threw her six-year-old specially-abled son into crocodile-infested river. We bring you the stories of inhumanity.

Gravitas | Class eight bullies sexually assault classmate with a stick

According to a new report children below the age of 13 should not be allowed to have cell phones. Called 'Children and Screens in Search of Lost Time' the report is commissioned by the French government. Watch in for more details!

Kids below 13 should be barred from using smartphones, says study

Disclaimer: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. According to a new report published by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), children under the age of six have been manipulated into “disturbing” acts of sexual abuse.

Disclaimer: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. According to a new report published by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), children under the age of six have been manipulated into “disturbing” acts of sexual abuse. As per the IWF's abuse hotline, last year was the most extreme year on record as it saw a 22 per cent increase in 'category A' imagery, which includes penetrative sexual activity as well as images which involve indulgence in sexual activity with an animal, or sadism. For the first time, the charity looked into the data on abuse against children, between the age bracket of three to six, in the whole year. The report was focused on young kids who were made the target of sexual abuse when they logged into online platforms through mobile phones and devices within the family home. "All 'self-generated' child sexual abuse imagery is horrific but seeing so many very young children in these images and videos is particularly distressing," stated the report. Also Read: Two kids dead, 15 injured after drunk woman drives car through birthday party in US The number of child sexual abuse images, which were 'self-generated', increased by 27 per cent in one year. These images are generated by the perpetrator as they remotely direct the victim and record them using webcams. The IWF report included a vast majority of abusive images. "The term 'self-generated' does not mean that the child is instigating the creation of this sexual content themselves," stated the report's authors. "They are being groomed, coerced and in some cases blackmailed into engaging in sexual behaviour. They are never to blame for the creation or existence of this imagery," he added. In many of those images, the children were seen in a home setting and generally sitting in their bedroom. According to the analysts, there were soft toys, games, books and bedding featuring cartoon characters in the background of the images. "These are very young children, supposedly in the safety of their own bedrooms, very likely unaware that the activities they are being coerced into doing are being recorded and saved and ultimately shared multiple times on the internet," stated the report. IWF appeals to warn children about online dangers The charity has said that children, below the age of six, need to be warned about online dangers. “The opportunistic criminals who want to manipulate your children into disturbing acts of sexual abuse are not a distant threat,” stated Susie Hargreaves, the IWF’s chief executive. Watch: Report urges immediate fixes to online child exploitation 'Cybertipline' “They are trying to talk to them now on phones and devices you can find in any family home. If children under six are being targeted, we need to be having age-appropriate conversations now to make sure they know how to spot the dangers,” he added. "This deeply disturbing report shows that predators are targeting younger and younger victims. My message to parents is to speak to your children about their use of social media, because the platforms you presume safe may pose a risk," said Security Minister Tom Tugendhart. (With inputs from agencies)

Young kids being 'groomed, coerced' into engaging in sexual acts online, horrific report reveals

Israel carried out overnight strikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah in which 22 people were killed, including 18 children, as confirmed by health officials on Sunday (April 21).

The strikes were carried out at a time when the United States was clearing additional military aid, worth billions of dollars, for Israel.

Near-daily air raids are being carried out by Israel on Rafah, a place which has become the refuge of more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population.

Israel has also decided to expand its ground offensive against Hamas near Gaza's border with Egypt amid calls for restraint from various countries, including the United States.

“In the coming days, we will increase the political and military pressure on Hamas because this is the only way to bring back our hostages and achieve victory. We will land more and painful blows on Hamas — soon,” said Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-leave-any-of-them-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyehs-sister-facing-incitement-charges-in-israel-713653">‘Don’t leave any of them’: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s sister facing incitement charges in Israel</a>

In the first strike carried out on Rafah by Israel, one man, his wife and their 3-year-old child were killed, as per the nearby Kuwaiti Hospital, where dead bodies were sent.

According to the hospital, the woman was pregnant and the baby was saved by the doctors. In the second strike on Rafah, 17 children and two women from an extended family were killed.

“These children were sleeping. What did they do? What was their fault?” questioned one relative Umm Kareem, reported Associated News.

Another resident Mohammed al-Beheiri confirmed that his daughter Rasha, and her six children, the youngest being only 18 months old, were also killed. A woman and three children were reported to be stuck under the rubble.

<h2>United States prepares aid package for Gaza</h2>

More than 34,000 Palestinians, of which at least two-thirds were women and children, have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war, as per officials in Gaza.

The two largest cities of Gaza have been devastated in the war and colossal destruction has taken place. Nearly 80 per cent of the population has shifted to other regions of the besieged coastal enclave.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel hits out at US plans to sanction IDF unit Netzah Yehuda

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hits-out-at-us-plans-to-sanction-idf-unit-netzah-yehuda-713666/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US House of Representatives on Saturday (April 20) approved a $26 billion aid package which included nearly $9 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza, which appears to be on the brink of famine, according to experts.

The US Senate is likely to sign the package as soon as Tuesday (April 23), which will be immediately signed by President Joe Biden.

It has been seven months since the conflict started and has now led to regional unrest as Israel and the US stand against Iran and allied militant groups. This month, Israel and Iran had a face-off which raised concerns of an all-out war.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel carried out overnight strikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah in which 22 people were killed, including 18 children, as confirmed by health officials on Sunday (April 21).

Israel carried out overnight strikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah in which 22 people were killed, including 18 children, as confirmed by health officials on Sunday (April 21). The strikes were carried out at a time when the United States was clearing additional military aid, worth billions of dollars, for Israel. Near-daily air raids are being carried out by Israel on Rafah, a place which has become the refuge of more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population. Israel has also decided to expand its ground offensive against Hamas near Gaza's border with Egypt amid calls for restraint from various countries, including the United States. “In the coming days, we will increase the political and military pressure on Hamas because this is the only way to bring back our hostages and achieve victory. We will land more and painful blows on Hamas — soon,” said Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement. Also Read: ‘Don’t leave any of them’: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s sister facing incitement charges in Israel In the first strike carried out on Rafah by Israel, one man, his wife and their 3-year-old child were killed, as per the nearby Kuwaiti Hospital, where dead bodies were sent. According to the hospital, the woman was pregnant and the baby was saved by the doctors. In the second strike on Rafah, 17 children and two women from an extended family were killed. “These children were sleeping. What did they do? What was their fault?” questioned one relative Umm Kareem, reported Associated News. Another resident Mohammed al-Beheiri confirmed that his daughter Rasha, and her six children, the youngest being only 18 months old, were also killed. A woman and three children were reported to be stuck under the rubble. United States prepares aid package for Gaza More than 34,000 Palestinians, of which at least two-thirds were women and children, have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war, as per officials in Gaza. The two largest cities of Gaza have been devastated in the war and colossal destruction has taken place. Nearly 80 per cent of the population has shifted to other regions of the besieged coastal enclave. Watch: Israel hits out at US plans to sanction IDF unit Netzah Yehuda The US House of Representatives on Saturday (April 20) approved a $26 billion aid package which included nearly $9 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza, which appears to be on the brink of famine, according to experts. The US Senate is likely to sign the package as soon as Tuesday (April 23), which will be immediately signed by President Joe Biden. It has been seven months since the conflict started and has now led to regional unrest as Israel and the US stand against Iran and allied militant groups. This month, Israel and Iran had a face-off which raised concerns of an all-out war. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: 22 killed, mostly children, in strikes on southern Gaza as US prepares aid package

Researchers in a new study have revealed that children who are maltreated in their childhood are more likely to engage in alcohol and substance use by the time they are 40 years old. University of Queensland researcher Dr Claudia Bull led a study, analysing data from more than 6,000 children born in Brisbane’s Mater Mother’s Hospital between 1981 and 1983. The study found that children who are maltreated are three times more likely to be admitted to hospital in comparison to those who are not mistreated in their early years.

“This longitudinal birth cohort study gathered and analysed the group’s data at different stages of their lives, from 6-months-old to 40 years,” Dr Bull said, in a press release issued on the University of Queensland website.

The team led by Dr Bull combined this information with additional data from the Queensland Department of Families, Youth and Community Care in 2000. The team was able to identify at least 600 children who were mistreated in their early years.

“For the purposes of this study maltreatment was defined as physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse or neglect up to the age of 15, as reported to the department,” she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiOs7WSkdOFAxU7r1YBHeJGASUQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/brace-up-for-science-revision-children-scientists-just-identified-how-we-taste-it-bitter-711705" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/brace-up-for-science-revision-children-scientists-just-identified-how-we-taste-it-bitter-711705&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiOs7WSkdOFAxU7r1YBHeJGASUQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Brace up for science revision children. Scientists just identified how we taste it bitter</a>

“We found those children were 2.86 times more likely to be hospitalised for alcohol use disorder as adults compared to children who weren’t maltreated, and 3.34 times more likely to be admitted for a substance use disorder,” she added.

So far, all researches into childhood treatment and adult behaviour have focussed on physical and sexual abuse and not on alcohol and substance use disorders.

“But we particularly wanted to know whether emotional abuse and neglect were as strongly associated with subsequent alcohol and substance use disorders,” she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiOs7WSkdOFAxU7r1YBHeJGASUQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-believe-uranus-and-neptune-are-ice-giants-but-a-new-study-hints-at-something-else-712635" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-believe-uranus-and-neptune-are-ice-giants-but-a-new-study-hints-at-something-else-712635&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiOs7WSkdOFAxU7r1YBHeJGASUQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">Scientists believe Uranus and Neptune are `ice giants,` but a new study hints at something else</a>

“And we found they were.”

The researchers added that the study results showed treating children better in their childhood would prevent many people from “suffering from alcohol and substance use disorders in later life.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers in a new study have revealed that children who are maltreated in their childhood are more likely to engage in alcohol and substance use by the time they are 40 years old.

Researchers in a new study have revealed that children who are maltreated in their childhood are more likely to engage in alcohol and substance use by the time they are 40 years old. University of Queensland researcher Dr Claudia Bull led a study, analysing data from more than 6,000 children born in Brisbane’s Mater Mother’s Hospital between 1981 and 1983. The study found that children who are maltreated are three times more likely to be admitted to hospital in comparison to those who are not mistreated in their early years. “This longitudinal birth cohort study gathered and analysed the group’s data at different stages of their lives, from 6-months-old to 40 years,” Dr Bull said, in a press release issued on the University of Queensland website. The team led by Dr Bull combined this information with additional data from the Queensland Department of Families, Youth and Community Care in 2000. The team was able to identify at least 600 children who were mistreated in their early years. “For the purposes of this study maltreatment was defined as physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse or neglect up to the age of 15, as reported to the department,” she said. Also read: Brace up for science revision children. Scientists just identified how we taste it bitter “We found those children were 2.86 times more likely to be hospitalised for alcohol use disorder as adults compared to children who weren’t maltreated, and 3.34 times more likely to be admitted for a substance use disorder,” she added. So far, all researches into childhood treatment and adult behaviour have focussed on physical and sexual abuse and not on alcohol and substance use disorders. “But we particularly wanted to know whether emotional abuse and neglect were as strongly associated with subsequent alcohol and substance use disorders,” she said. Also read: Scientists believe Uranus and Neptune are `ice giants,` but a new study hints at something else “And we found they were.” The researchers added that the study results showed treating children better in their childhood would prevent many people from “suffering from alcohol and substance use disorders in later life.” (With inputs from agencies)

Maltreated children 3 times more likely to engage in substance abuse in adulthood

Infant school children are increasingly getting online with greater autonomy, a recent study by Ofcom disclosed. The annual examination of children's digital engagement indicated a surge in the ownership of smartphones among 5 to 7-year-olds, with nearly a quarter of them possessing one.

According to the findings, approximately 24 percent of children aged 5-7 now have their own smartphones, while an overwhelming three-quarters use tablets.

Moreover, there has been a noticeable increase in online activities among this age group compared to the previous year. More children in this bracket are now using the internet for sending messages, making voice or video calls, and watching live-streamed content.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-teen-dies-of-heart-attack-after-lockdown-amid-knife-attack-at-nearby-school-713111">French teen dies of heart attack after lockdown amid knife attack at nearby school</a>

Social media usage among 5 to 7-year-olds has also seen a marked uptick as well, with platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, and Discord seeing notable growth. Online gaming among this age has experienced a rise, with a particular increase seen in children playing shooter games.

In response to these evolving trends, Ofcom is gearing up to introduce a comprehensive set of proposals to bolster online protection for children. Among the initiatives planned is a consultation on leveraging automated tools, including AI, to proactively detect illegal and harmful content.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-suspects-detained-in-poland-over-attack-on-navalny-aide-leonid-volkov-in-lithuania-713074">Two suspects detained in Poland over attack on Navalny aide Leonid Volkov in Lithuania</a>

While a substantial portion (42 percent) of parents engage in social media alongside their 5 to 7-year-olds, a significant proportion (32 percent) acknowledged their children's independent usage of these platforms.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-and-trump-compete-for-voters-over-israeli-crisis-713117">Biden and Trump compete for voters over Israeli crisis</a>

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While the majority of parents claim to have discussed online safety with their young ones, there appears to be a disconnect between children's exposure to harmful content online and their disclosure of such experiences to parents.

Moreover, the research underscored emerging behavioural trends among children online, including passive social media use, preference for stimulating short-form content, and a rising interest in soothing sensory videos, particularly among girls.

(With inputs from agencies)

Infant school children are increasingly getting online with greater autonomy, a recent study by Ofcom disclosed. The annual examination of children's digital engagement indicated a surge in the ownership of smartphones among 5 to 7-year-olds, with nearly a quarter of them possessing one.

Infant school children are increasingly getting online with greater autonomy, a recent study by Ofcom disclosed. The annual examination of children's digital engagement indicated a surge in the ownership of smartphones among 5 to 7-year-olds, with nearly a quarter of them possessing one. According to the findings, approximately 24 percent of children aged 5-7 now have their own smartphones, while an overwhelming three-quarters use tablets. Moreover, there has been a noticeable increase in online activities among this age group compared to the previous year. More children in this bracket are now using the internet for sending messages, making voice or video calls, and watching live-streamed content. Also Read | French teen dies of heart attack after lockdown amid knife attack at nearby school Social media usage among 5 to 7-year-olds has also seen a marked uptick as well, with platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, and Discord seeing notable growth. Online gaming among this age has experienced a rise, with a particular increase seen in children playing shooter games. In response to these evolving trends, Ofcom is gearing up to introduce a comprehensive set of proposals to bolster online protection for children. Among the initiatives planned is a consultation on leveraging automated tools, including AI, to proactively detect illegal and harmful content. Also Read | Two suspects detained in Poland over attack on Navalny aide Leonid Volkov in Lithuania While a substantial portion (42 percent) of parents engage in social media alongside their 5 to 7-year-olds, a significant proportion (32 percent) acknowledged their children's independent usage of these platforms. Watch | Biden and Trump compete for voters over Israeli crisis × While the majority of parents claim to have discussed online safety with their young ones, there appears to be a disconnect between children's exposure to harmful content online and their disclosure of such experiences to parents. Moreover, the research underscored emerging behavioural trends among children online, including passive social media use, preference for stimulating short-form content, and a rising interest in soothing sensory videos, particularly among girls. (With inputs from agencies)

Study finds 24pc of 5-7 year-olds own smartphones in UK

Children addicted to technological gadgets such as mobile phones and iPads are at risk of suffering psychotic episodes later in life, according to new research published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.

Children addicted to technological gadgets such as mobile phones and iPads are at risk of suffering psychotic episodes later in life, according to new research published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry. Researchers discovered that excessive use of smartphones and social media in adolescence could make the brain more susceptible to delusions, hallucinations, and 'bizarre ideas' by the time one reaches the age of 23. Researchers believe that the technology itself might not be the cause of the issue but a child's addiction to the devices could be a sign that they are susceptible to mental illness. "Higher media use and mental health problems appear to share risk factors, such as parental mental health problems, loneliness, bullying and parent-child relational problems," the team behind the study said. How did the researchers reach this conclusion? Researchers at McGill University in Canada collected and analysed data from 1,226 participants born between 1997 and 1998. The participants were asked multiple questions to discern if they had undergone periods of persecutory ideations, bizarre experiences, and perceptual abnormalities Here are some of the questions asked by the researchers: Have you ever felt as if people seem to drop hints about you or say things with a double meaning? Have you ever felt as if the thoughts in your head are not your own? Have you ever heard voices when you are alone? Video games linked to higher levels of psychotic experiences The researchers noticed that playing video games during adolescence could cause 3-7% higher levels of psychotic experiences. "Trajectories of higher video gaming and increasing-then-decreasing (curved) computer use during adolescence were associated with higher levels of psychotic experiences at age 23 years," the study read. They also found that internet use is more strongly associated with depression than video gaming or television viewing. Also read: Using smartphone for over 4 hours a day linked to high stress, suicidal thoughts: Study What is the solution? The research team said that suddenly restricting screen time could be more harmful than helpful. Instead, parents should understand why children are addicted to devices and find activities to replace screen time.

Video game, smartphone addiction in children could lead to psychotic episodes

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