Kids sick with Wuhan Virus are filling up hospitals in the US. Omicron has ignited a new surge in infections worldwide. Are we prepared to contain the virus in 2022? Palki Sharma answers the 5 big questions that could determine the future trajectory of the pandemic.

Gravitas: Kids sick with Covid are filling up hospitals in America

Young orangutans seem much like human toddlers: amiable, endearing, lovable. But unlike human kids, when their mothers say no, they don’t whine and argue.

Orangutan mothers teach their young how to forage for food, adjusting their tactics depending on the age of the child and the complexity of the food-gathering technique. And they know exactly when a child is old enough to know better.

A new study, published this month in Scientific Reports, describes 21 juvenile orangutans living with their mothers in a forest on the west coast of Aceh province in Sumatra, Indonesia. The researchers recorded 1,390 incidents of juveniles soliciting food from their mothers, usually just by grabbing it out of the mother’s hands. The mothers tolerate this — but only up to a point.

“No one has done much work on this, and no one had data like this for Sumatran orangutans,” said David P. Watts, a professor of anthropology at Yale University who has published widely on primate behavior but was not involved in this study. “The whole topic of how young primates learn what they need to eat — people haven’t studied it very much.”

Orangutans stay with their mothers for eight or nine years, longer than almost any mammal except humans. But the time is not wasted: During this period they learn how to recognise, gather and process more than 200 food items.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-police-officer-testifies-at-manslaughter-trial-for-killing-daunte-wright-437812">Also read |&nbsp;US police officer testifies at manslaughter trial for killing Daunte Wright</a>

Foods like leaves and flowers are easy to find and ready to eat. But for most fruits, a large portion of their diets, orangutans must know when they are ripe, which parts are edible and how to extract them. And some foods involve using tools: Getting honey out of a beehive, for example, requires the selection and design of a proper stick, and long practice in perfecting the skill to use it.

An orangutan is 8 years old before it has built the basic knowledge to feed itself, and as old as 12 before it has mastered the most complex food-finding and preparation techniques.

The researchers found that the older the child, and the easier the food is to find and prepare, the less likely the mothers are willing to share. Mothers let younger children grab almost any food, and allow even older offspring to take food that is hard to find. But if an older juvenile tries to grab flowers — easy to find and eat — she won’t let it, essentially telling the child that it is old enough to find its own.

The best and rarest foods — the meat of small primates, squirrels and civets that orangutans sometimes hunt — are willingly shared with children of any age.

Orangutan mothers are patient, and orangutan young are generally docile and compliant. If a mother doesn’t want to share, she just turns away, or gets into a position where the child can’t reach the food. No slapping, no yelling, no drama — but the young one gets the message.

“We know that people and orangutans have role models who adjust their behavior according to the needs of the pupil,” said Caroline Schuppli, lead author of the study. “In humans, adults do this proactively; in orangs, the initiative comes from the kid — they need to ask for the food.”

Schuppli, a research group leader at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Konstanz, Germany, said that human children are surrounded by enthusiastic teachers — not only their parents, but also extended family and an entire educational system based mainly on active teaching.

“If you think about what a kid needs to learn — it’s well beyond their imagination, beyond what they could actively ask for,” she said. “But with orangutans it’s quite a bit simpler.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-states-trump-administration-voluntarily-sabotaged-covid-response-437827">Also read |&nbsp;Report states Trump administration voluntarily sabotaged Covid response</a>

Are some orangutans better teachers than others? No one knows.

“We would need to show that some orangutan mothers have kids who learn faster,” Schuppli said. “If a mother shares more, do her kids learn faster? We don’t know. We don’t have the right type of data to test if this is the case.”

In any animal research, and perhaps especially with primates, there is a danger of anthropomorphising — attributing human characteristics or behavior to animals without good evidence. Schuppli tries to resist the impulse.

“The data we collect is descriptive first, and the interpretation comes later,” she said. “We analyse the data, based on our hypotheses. But every great ape researcher has moments when he connects what he sees to the behavior of humans.”

Young orangutans seem much like human toddlers: amiable, endearing, lovable. But unlike human kids, when their mothers say no, they don’t whine and argue. Orangutan mothers teach their young how to forage for food, adjusting their tactics depending on the age of the child and the complexity of the food-gathering technique.

Young orangutans seem much like human toddlers: amiable, endearing, lovable. But unlike human kids, when their mothers say no, they don’t whine and argue. Orangutan mothers teach their young how to forage for food, adjusting their tactics depending on the age of the child and the complexity of the food-gathering technique. And they know exactly when a child is old enough to know better. A new study, published this month in Scientific Reports, describes 21 juvenile orangutans living with their mothers in a forest on the west coast of Aceh province in Sumatra, Indonesia. The researchers recorded 1,390 incidents of juveniles soliciting food from their mothers, usually just by grabbing it out of the mother’s hands. The mothers tolerate this — but only up to a point. “No one has done much work on this, and no one had data like this for Sumatran orangutans,” said David P. Watts, a professor of anthropology at Yale University who has published widely on primate behavior but was not involved in this study. “The whole topic of how young primates learn what they need to eat — people haven’t studied it very much.” Orangutans stay with their mothers for eight or nine years, longer than almost any mammal except humans. But the time is not wasted: During this period they learn how to recognise, gather and process more than 200 food items. Also read | US police officer testifies at manslaughter trial for killing Daunte Wright Foods like leaves and flowers are easy to find and ready to eat. But for most fruits, a large portion of their diets, orangutans must know when they are ripe, which parts are edible and how to extract them. And some foods involve using tools: Getting honey out of a beehive, for example, requires the selection and design of a proper stick, and long practice in perfecting the skill to use it. An orangutan is 8 years old before it has built the basic knowledge to feed itself, and as old as 12 before it has mastered the most complex food-finding and preparation techniques. The researchers found that the older the child, and the easier the food is to find and prepare, the less likely the mothers are willing to share. Mothers let younger children grab almost any food, and allow even older offspring to take food that is hard to find. But if an older juvenile tries to grab flowers — easy to find and eat — she won’t let it, essentially telling the child that it is old enough to find its own. The best and rarest foods — the meat of small primates, squirrels and civets that orangutans sometimes hunt — are willingly shared with children of any age. Orangutan mothers are patient, and orangutan young are generally docile and compliant. If a mother doesn’t want to share, she just turns away, or gets into a position where the child can’t reach the food. No slapping, no yelling, no drama — but the young one gets the message. “We know that people and orangutans have role models who adjust their behavior according to the needs of the pupil,” said Caroline Schuppli, lead author of the study. “In humans, adults do this proactively; in orangs, the initiative comes from the kid — they need to ask for the food.” Schuppli, a research group leader at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Konstanz, Germany, said that human children are surrounded by enthusiastic teachers — not only their parents, but also extended family and an entire educational system based mainly on active teaching. “If you think about what a kid needs to learn — it’s well beyond their imagination, beyond what they could actively ask for,” she said. “But with orangutans it’s quite a bit simpler.” Also read | Report states Trump administration voluntarily sabotaged Covid response Are some orangutans better teachers than others? No one knows. “We would need to show that some orangutan mothers have kids who learn faster,” Schuppli said. “If a mother shares more, do her kids learn faster? We don’t know. We don’t have the right type of data to test if this is the case.” In any animal research, and perhaps especially with primates, there is a danger of anthropomorphising — attributing human characteristics or behavior to animals without good evidence. Schuppli tries to resist the impulse. “The data we collect is descriptive first, and the interpretation comes later,” she said. “We analyse the data, based on our hypotheses. But every great ape researcher has moments when he connects what he sees to the behavior of humans.”

In Orangutan parenting, the kids can get their own dinner

The world is making the digital shift from the last few years. Internet, social media, phones, they take up a lot of our day and the impact of social media platforms has been acknowledged by the world and now govt are now looking at regulating the big tech.

How safe is Instagram for your kids? How is it impacting younger generation?

An Australian academic in her research paper claimed that popular children’s books from the western nations, including the Disney classics such as Snow White, are “outdated, sexist and racist”.

According to the findings, published recently in the Australian Educational Researcher, 90 per cent of the popular children’s books, including 'Harry the Dog', “promoted traditional, binary and stereotypical viewpoints of gender and gender roles”, reports the Daily Express.

The researcher recommends replacing the “outdated” classics with “more inclusive” books, written within the last 20 to 30 years.&nbsp;

The study was published by Dr Helen Adam and co-authored by Laurie Harper from Edith Cowan University in Western Australia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-six-dr-seuss-books-pulled-from-publication-over-racist-imagery-367550">Six Dr Seuss books pulled from publication over racist imagery</a>

The findings also claimed&nbsp;that Disney favourites perpetuate "racial divides and gender stereotypes", calling&nbsp;Snow White an example of “a dependent woman.”

“The world represented in children’s books reflects predominantly middle class, heterosexual, male heroes and characters,” the report of Adam and Harper states.

Adam pointed out that this was commonplace in classic kids’ titles, adding that representations of different family structures outside of the “traditional heteronormative understandings are most often absent in children’s books.”

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-enid-blytons-books-termed-as-racist-lacking-literary-merit-by-a-british-charity-392366">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-enid-blytons-books-termed-as-racist-lacking-literary-merit-by-a-british-charity-392366">Enid Blyton's books termed as 'racist, lacking literary merit' by a British charity</a>

“Disney stories relentlessly define the United States as white, middle class and heterosexual and often serve to reproduce sexist, racist and colonial ideologies,” the research study stated.

&nbsp;“Purely and simply this research shows there's a lack of representation of boys and girls in non-traditional gender roles in these books. Research over many years is clear about the negative impact of sexism and gender stereotypes on children's development,” it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Australian academic in her research paper claimed that popular children’s books from the western nations, including the Disney classics such as Snow White, are “outdated, sexist and racist”.

An Australian academic in her research paper claimed that popular children’s books from the western nations, including the Disney classics such as Snow White, are “outdated, sexist and racist”. According to the findings, published recently in the Australian Educational Researcher, 90 per cent of the popular children’s books, including 'Harry the Dog', “promoted traditional, binary and stereotypical viewpoints of gender and gender roles”, reports the Daily Express. The researcher recommends replacing the “outdated” classics with “more inclusive” books, written within the last 20 to 30 years. The study was published by Dr Helen Adam and co-authored by Laurie Harper from Edith Cowan University in Western Australia. Also read | Six Dr Seuss books pulled from publication over racist imagery The findings also claimed that Disney favourites perpetuate "racial divides and gender stereotypes", calling Snow White an example of “a dependent woman.” “The world represented in children’s books reflects predominantly middle class, heterosexual, male heroes and characters,” the report of Adam and Harper states. Adam pointed out that this was commonplace in classic kids’ titles, adding that representations of different family structures outside of the “traditional heteronormative understandings are most often absent in children’s books.” Also read | Enid Blyton's books termed as 'racist, lacking literary merit' by a British charity “Disney stories relentlessly define the United States as white, middle class and heterosexual and often serve to reproduce sexist, racist and colonial ideologies,” the research study stated. “Purely and simply this research shows there's a lack of representation of boys and girls in non-traditional gender roles in these books. Research over many years is clear about the negative impact of sexism and gender stereotypes on children's development,” it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Popular children’s books from west, including Disney classics, ‘outdated, sexist, racist’: Study

A bipartisan coalition of U.S. state attorneys general have opened a probe into Facebook, now known as Meta Platforms, for promoting its subsidiary Instagram to children despite potential harms.

US state law officer launches probe into potential harms of Instagram on kids

Israel has approved cpvid-19 vaccines for children from the age of 5, the country's 9.4 million population is relatively young. Watch this report for more.

Covid Vaccine update: Israel approves covid-19 shots for kids

Pfizer's kid-size COVID-19 injection received final approval from US health regulators on Tuesday, paving the way for a substantial extension of the country's vaccination campaign to include children as young as 5.

The Food and Drug Administration has previously approved the injections for children aged 5 to 11.&nbsp;

The dosages given to teenagers and adults are just a third of what is given to teens and adults.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on the other hand, makes explicit recommendations on who should receive FDA-approved vaccines. 
 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-vaccine-mandate-deadline-looms-new-york-city-braces-for-workers-shortage-425259" hreflang="en">As vaccine mandate deadline looms, New York City braces for workers’ shortage</a>

Dr Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, made the news just hours after an advisory council unanimously recommended that Pfizer's vaccines should be made available to the 28 million children in that age bracket.&nbsp;

During a day of live-streamed deliberations, the CDC assembled a panel of independent experts to analyse the existing data on the state of the outbreak in children, the efficiency of Pfizer's vaccine, and its likely adverse effects.&nbsp;

Since the FDA approval, "there hasn't been a moment that teams have not been picking, packing and shipping vaccines," Jeff Zients, the White House pandemic coordinator, said Monday. 
 
Watch | Rise in COVID-19 cases among children in Israel trigger noticeable jump

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rise-in-covid-19-cases-among-children-in-israel-trigger-noticeable-jump-419987/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are planning on some vaccinations towards the end of this week," he said, adding that the programme will be "really hitting full strength the week of November 8."

Last week, FDA officials debated whether every young kid required vaccination.

COVID-19-infected children are more likely to develop high-risk diseases, including obesity or diabetes.

However, otherwise healthy youngsters can get critically ill, and the CDC's advisors eventually advised the injections for all of them, including those who had already recovered from a COVID-19 infection.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pfizer's kid-size COVID-19 injection received final approval from US health regulators on Tuesday, paving the way for a substantial extension of the country's vaccination campaign to include children as young as 5.

Pfizer's kid-size COVID-19 injection received final approval from US health regulators on Tuesday, paving the way for a substantial extension of the country's vaccination campaign to include children as young as 5. The Food and Drug Administration has previously approved the injections for children aged 5 to 11. The dosages given to teenagers and adults are just a third of what is given to teens and adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on the other hand, makes explicit recommendations on who should receive FDA-approved vaccines. Also Read: As vaccine mandate deadline looms, New York City braces for workers’ shortage Dr Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, made the news just hours after an advisory council unanimously recommended that Pfizer's vaccines should be made available to the 28 million children in that age bracket. During a day of live-streamed deliberations, the CDC assembled a panel of independent experts to analyse the existing data on the state of the outbreak in children, the efficiency of Pfizer's vaccine, and its likely adverse effects. Since the FDA approval, "there hasn't been a moment that teams have not been picking, packing and shipping vaccines," Jeff Zients, the White House pandemic coordinator, said Monday. Watch | Rise in COVID-19 cases among children in Israel trigger noticeable jump "We are planning on some vaccinations towards the end of this week," he said, adding that the programme will be "really hitting full strength the week of November 8." Last week, FDA officials debated whether every young kid required vaccination. COVID-19-infected children are more likely to develop high-risk diseases, including obesity or diabetes. However, otherwise healthy youngsters can get critically ill, and the CDC's advisors eventually advised the injections for all of them, including those who had already recovered from a COVID-19 infection. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 vaccine for children: US gives final nod to Pfizer jabs for 5-11 age group

Which kid doesn’t love field trips, but taking elementary school children to a gay bar might not have been the best choice of destination.<o:p></o:p>

Broward school board member Sarah Leonardi has faced immense backlash on social media platform Twitter after she posted pictures of kids' field trip to a gay bar.<o:p></o:p>

She posted pictures on her social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter in which children from the elementary classes could be seen sitting in the rainbow-theme bar.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-group-of-lgbtq-afghans-safely-reach-britain-after-fleeing-taliban-rule-425287">First group of LGBTQ Afghans safely reach Britain after fleeing Taliban-rule</a>

"I was SO honored to be invited to chaperone Wilton Manors Elementary’s field trip to the incredible Rosie’s! The students and I had a fun walk over and learned a lot about our community!,"&nbsp;her Twitter post read.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I was SO honored to be invited to chaperone <a href="https://twitter.com/WiltonManorsES?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WiltonManorsES</a>’s field trip to the incredible Rosie’s! The students and I had a fun walk over and learned a lot about our community! A huge thank you to <a href="https://twitter.com/RosiesBnG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RosiesBnG</a> for hosting this special field trip every year! <a href="https://t.co/A3rpMbyUJP">pic.twitter.com/A3rpMbyUJP</a>
— School Board Member Sarah Leonardi (@bcpsleonardi) <a href="https://twitter.com/bcpsleonardi/status/1453495044065959936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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She also revealed that this was not the first time she had arranged such a trip. She thanked the bar authorities "for hosting this special field trip every year".<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

This decision was hugely questioned by people and parents on the internet who felt it was completely inappropriate to take children, especially of this age, to a place which is filled with alcohol, has suggestive menu and possibly inappropriate wordings and actions too.

<o:p></o:p>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/couple-sentenced-to-10-months-jail-for-oral-sex-pic-outside-mexico-cathedral-425302">Couple sentenced to 10 months jail for 'oral sex' pic outside Mexico cathedral</a>

"The menu item names are the most concerning part for me," a user replied to the tweet. "I'm also curious what was taught on this field trip…I’m not homophobic at all but it’s up to parents to talk about it with their kids."<o:p></o:p>

"Why is there a field trip to a bar? Get it together. Inappropriate,"&nbsp;another user lashed out at the board member.<o:p></o:p>

People also questioned why the board member could not have taken the elementary school kids to a zoo, park or a museum for a field trip. Many also questioned if parents had been asked to sign a ‘consent slip’ before their young kids were sent to a bar.<o:p></o:p>

On the other hand, some users hailed this move. "If I could have went on a field trip like this at that age, it would have been literally life changing," a user posted and claimed that "From what I've gathered, the bar and grill isn’t a typical "bar" - they have special kid-friendly menus and coloring pages. No different than a field trip to Outback!"<o:p></o:p>

Which kid doesn’t love field trips, but taking elementary school children to a gay bar might not have been the best choice of destination. Broward school board member Sarah Leonardi has faced immense backlash on social media platform Twitter after she posted pictures of kids' field trip to a gay bar.

Which kid doesn’t love field trips, but taking elementary school children to a gay bar might not have been the best choice of destination. Broward school board member Sarah Leonardi has faced immense backlash on social media platform Twitter after she posted pictures of kids' field trip to a gay bar. She posted pictures on her social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter in which children from the elementary classes could be seen sitting in the rainbow-theme bar. Also read | First group of LGBTQ Afghans safely reach Britain after fleeing Taliban-rule "I was SO honored to be invited to chaperone Wilton Manors Elementary’s field trip to the incredible Rosie’s! The students and I had a fun walk over and learned a lot about our community!," her Twitter post read. I was SO honored to be invited to chaperone @WiltonManorsES’s field trip to the incredible Rosie’s! The students and I had a fun walk over and learned a lot about our community! A huge thank you to @RosiesBnG for hosting this special field trip every year! pic.twitter.com/A3rpMbyUJP — School Board Member Sarah Leonardi (@bcpsleonardi) October 27, 2021 × She also revealed that this was not the first time she had arranged such a trip. She thanked the bar authorities "for hosting this special field trip every year". This decision was hugely questioned by people and parents on the internet who felt it was completely inappropriate to take children, especially of this age, to a place which is filled with alcohol, has suggestive menu and possibly inappropriate wordings and actions too. Also read | Couple sentenced to 10 months jail for 'oral sex' pic outside Mexico cathedral "The menu item names are the most concerning part for me," a user replied to the tweet. "I'm also curious what was taught on this field trip…I’m not homophobic at all but it’s up to parents to talk about it with their kids." "Why is there a field trip to a bar? Get it together. Inappropriate," another user lashed out at the board member. People also questioned why the board member could not have taken the elementary school kids to a zoo, park or a museum for a field trip. Many also questioned if parents had been asked to sign a ‘consent slip’ before their young kids were sent to a bar. On the other hand, some users hailed this move. "If I could have went on a field trip like this at that age, it would have been literally life changing," a user posted and claimed that "From what I've gathered, the bar and grill isn’t a typical "bar" - they have special kid-friendly menus and coloring pages. No different than a field trip to Outback!"

'Inappropriate': Elementary school students taken to a bar for field trip

In what is the first COVID-19 shot for young children in the United States, the health regulator of the country authorised the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE coronavirus vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years on Friday. &nbsp;

The move looks to make the vaccine available to 28 million children in the US. Several of them are back in school for in-person learning. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-vaccine-mandate-deadline-looms-new-york-city-braces-for-workers-shortage-425259" hreflang="en">As vaccine mandate deadline looms, New York City braces for workers’ shortage</a>

The decision comes as a panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted overwhelmingly to recommend the authorisation on Tuesday. &nbsp;

To consider recommendations on how the vaccine should be used in the age group, an advisory panel to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is scheduled to meet next week. The CDC director will have the final say. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/closed-under-covid-lockdown-auckland-tops-lonely-planets-list-of-cities-to-visit-in-2022-425235" hreflang="en">Closed under Covid lockdown, Auckland tops Lonely Planet’s list of cities to visit in 2022</a>

Till now, only a handful other countries, including China, Cuba and the United Arab Emirates, have cleared Covid vaccines for children in this age group. &nbsp;

A 10-microgram dose of Pfizer's vaccine in young children, which is lower than the 30 micrograms in the usual vaccine for children above the age of 12 and older, has been authorised by the FDA. &nbsp;

The vaccine showed 90.7% efficacy against coronavirus in a clinical trial of children aged 5 to 11, said Pfizer and BioNTech. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In what is the first COVID-19 shot for young children in the United States, the health regulator of the country authorised the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE coronavirus vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years on Friday.

In what is the first COVID-19 shot for young children in the United States, the health regulator of the country authorised the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE coronavirus vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years on Friday. The move looks to make the vaccine available to 28 million children in the US. Several of them are back in school for in-person learning. Also Read: As vaccine mandate deadline looms, New York City braces for workers’ shortage The decision comes as a panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted overwhelmingly to recommend the authorisation on Tuesday. To consider recommendations on how the vaccine should be used in the age group, an advisory panel to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is scheduled to meet next week. The CDC director will have the final say. Also Read: Closed under Covid lockdown, Auckland tops Lonely Planet’s list of cities to visit in 2022 Till now, only a handful other countries, including China, Cuba and the United Arab Emirates, have cleared Covid vaccines for children in this age group. A 10-microgram dose of Pfizer's vaccine in young children, which is lower than the 30 micrograms in the usual vaccine for children above the age of 12 and older, has been authorised by the FDA. The vaccine showed 90.7% efficacy against coronavirus in a clinical trial of children aged 5 to 11, said Pfizer and BioNTech. (With inputs from agencies)

First Covid shot authorised by FDA in US for kids aged 5 to 11 years

A Belgian couple has grabbed headlines after they named their 11 children based on different variations of the same four English alphabets – A, E, L, and X.

Gwenny Blanckaert and Marino Vaneeno named their children— Alex (13), Axel (12), Xela (11), Lexa (10), Xael (9), Xeal (8), Exla (5), Leax (4), Xale (2), Elax (1) and Alxe (6 months).

The family of seven girls and four boys is also expecting baby number 12 – a boy – in April next year.

Gwenny, 32, revealed that the tradition began with the birth of their second child.

“My elder eldest son’s name is Alex, after Marino's stepfather because it was a beautiful name,” she told HLN, a Dutch news portal.

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“The name of our second son became Axel and after that, we started puzzling. We realised that they were the same letters, so we decided to continue like this,” she was quoted as saying.

In 2019, Gwenny and Marino said they planned to have more kids after giving birth to their ninth, who they named Xale, according to&nbsp;HLN.

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The couple said they were “over the moon” about the birth of their new son.

&nbsp;“It will be a boy. That will bring the final score to 7-5. Seven girls and five boys,” Gwynne said.

The four letters reportedly allow for 24 more different names, but Gwenny Blanckaert and Marino said they have no intention&nbsp;of having more than 12 children.

&nbsp;“Right from the start, we had set the bar at twelve. And we will stick to that. The day that we sit around the table with twelve children, our family is complete,” she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Belgian couple has grabbed headlines after they named their 11 children based on different variations of the same four English alphabets – A, E, L, and X. Gwenny Blanckaert and Marino Vaneeno named their children— Alex (13), Axel (12), Xela (11), Lexa (10), Xael (9), Xeal (8), Exla (5), Leax (4), Xale (2), Elax (1) and Alxe (6 months).

A Belgian couple has grabbed headlines after they named their 11 children based on different variations of the same four English alphabets – A, E, L, and X. Gwenny Blanckaert and Marino Vaneeno named their children— Alex (13), Axel (12), Xela (11), Lexa (10), Xael (9), Xeal (8), Exla (5), Leax (4), Xale (2), Elax (1) and Alxe (6 months). The family of seven girls and four boys is also expecting baby number 12 – a boy – in April next year. Gwenny, 32, revealed that the tradition began with the birth of their second child. “My elder eldest son’s name is Alex, after Marino's stepfather because it was a beautiful name,” she told HLN, a Dutch news portal. Also read | From FAANG to MANGA: Twitter users speculate future of tech companies “The name of our second son became Axel and after that, we started puzzling. We realised that they were the same letters, so we decided to continue like this,” she was quoted as saying. In 2019, Gwenny and Marino said they planned to have more kids after giving birth to their ninth, who they named Xale, according to HLN. Also read | This Taiwanese teacher uses porn site to teach calculus, earns $250,000 per year The couple said they were “over the moon” about the birth of their new son. “It will be a boy. That will bring the final score to 7-5. Seven girls and five boys,” Gwynne said. The four letters reportedly allow for 24 more different names, but Gwenny Blanckaert and Marino said they have no intention of having more than 12 children. “Right from the start, we had set the bar at twelve. And we will stick to that. The day that we sit around the table with twelve children, our family is complete,” she said. (With inputs from agencies)

A, E, L, X: A Belgian couple named their 11 kids using variations of these four letters

Is your child being exposed to objectionable content online? An investigation has revealed that TikTok is recommending videos of serial killers and gun violence to children as young as 13. Some of these videos have links to websites selling weapons. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: What is your child doing on the internet?

The Food and Drug Administration on Friday said that it has concluded that the "overall benefits" of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11 years old "may still outweigh the risks."&nbsp;

However, there have been reports of Myocarditis and pericarditis, which are two different types of heart inflammation, after the mRNA-based Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, typically after the second dose. According to the reports by CDC, the symptoms include chest pain, faster heartbeat and shortness of breath. The official website says, "[m]ost patients with myocarditis or pericarditis who received care responded well to medicine and rest and felt better quickly."

Most of the cases after the vaccine have occurred in younger males and required hospitalisations, says federal health officials. Although the data suggests cases are&nbsp;"rare."

In its review, the FDA has come up with a variety of "benefit-risk outcome" situations, which are based on different estimates of vaccine effectiveness and rates of COVID-19 in the community. It has been estimated that Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine would more frequently prevent COVID related cases in children than cause "excess myocarditis cases."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizers-kid-size-doses-91-effective-against-covid-19-study-423039">Also read |&nbsp;Pfizer's kid-size doses 91% effective against COVID-19: Study</a>

In case, the number of COVID-19 were to decrease in June, the FDA predicted the US might not see enough severe COVID-19 cases in children to outnumber the incidents of myocarditis or pericarditis. "The model results indicate that the benefits of the vaccine are highly dependent on the incidence of COVID-19," the FDA said.

Meanwhile, a recent study suggested that Pfizer's kid-size COVID-19 vaccine doses are 91 per cent effective against coronavirus and have been observed to be safe.

The study says that the kid-size doses of Pfizer’s vaccine are safe for children aged between 5 and 11. This study has come at a time when the US health experts have been mulling starting vaccine campaigns for younger children of the age group 5 to 11 years.

As of now, the US is already administering full-strength Pfizer shots to children aged 12 and above. However, experts and parents are anxiously awaiting kid-size doses.

This will help provide safety to children, especially as schools have started reopening and children are back in classrooms with their peers.

The Food and Drug Administration on Friday said that it has concluded that the "overall benefits" of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11 years old "may still outweigh the risks.

The Food and Drug Administration on Friday said that it has concluded that the "overall benefits" of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11 years old "may still outweigh the risks." However, there have been reports of Myocarditis and pericarditis, which are two different types of heart inflammation, after the mRNA-based Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, typically after the second dose. According to the reports by CDC, the symptoms include chest pain, faster heartbeat and shortness of breath. The official website says, "[m]ost patients with myocarditis or pericarditis who received care responded well to medicine and rest and felt better quickly." Most of the cases after the vaccine have occurred in younger males and required hospitalisations, says federal health officials. Although the data suggests cases are "rare." In its review, the FDA has come up with a variety of "benefit-risk outcome" situations, which are based on different estimates of vaccine effectiveness and rates of COVID-19 in the community. It has been estimated that Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine would more frequently prevent COVID related cases in children than cause "excess myocarditis cases." Also read | Pfizer's kid-size doses 91% effective against COVID-19: Study In case, the number of COVID-19 were to decrease in June, the FDA predicted the US might not see enough severe COVID-19 cases in children to outnumber the incidents of myocarditis or pericarditis. "The model results indicate that the benefits of the vaccine are highly dependent on the incidence of COVID-19," the FDA said. Meanwhile, a recent study suggested that Pfizer's kid-size COVID-19 vaccine doses are 91 per cent effective against coronavirus and have been observed to be safe. The study says that the kid-size doses of Pfizer’s vaccine are safe for children aged between 5 and 11. This study has come at a time when the US health experts have been mulling starting vaccine campaigns for younger children of the age group 5 to 11 years. As of now, the US is already administering full-strength Pfizer shots to children aged 12 and above. However, experts and parents are anxiously awaiting kid-size doses. This will help provide safety to children, especially as schools have started reopening and children are back in classrooms with their peers.

FDA highlights risk of myocarditis in review of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5-11

While Facebook has been introducing new features to Instagram, the photo-sharing site has been accused for negatively impacting teens' mental health.

As a result, in order to protect young minds from engaging with dangerous information on Instagram, Facebook has stated that a new "Take a Break" function would be added to Instagram shortly.

In an interview with CNN, Facebook's Vice President of Global Affairs, Nick Clegg, acknowledged this development.

During the interview, CNN reporter Dana Bash questioned Clegg about comments made by Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, who testified before Congress that Instagram is harmful to children.&nbsp;

With the new 'take a break' and 'nudge' features, Facebook intends to identify whether a kid is viewing the same content often, and if that content "may not be beneficial to their well-being," it will encourage them to look at different stuff.

This would simply be a push, not a forced refresh of the feed, so it would still be up to the adolescent user to decide what material they want to see on Instagram.

There is no set date for the release of these features, but testing will begin soon.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

While Facebook has been introducing new features to Instagram, the photo-sharing site has been accused for negatively impacting teens' mental health. As a result, in order to protect young minds from engaging with dangerous information on Instagram, Facebook has stated that a new "Take a Break" function would be added to Instagram shortly.

While Facebook has been introducing new features to Instagram, the photo-sharing site has been accused for negatively impacting teens' mental health. As a result, in order to protect young minds from engaging with dangerous information on Instagram, Facebook has stated that a new "Take a Break" function would be added to Instagram shortly. In an interview with CNN, Facebook's Vice President of Global Affairs, Nick Clegg, acknowledged this development. During the interview, CNN reporter Dana Bash questioned Clegg about comments made by Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, who testified before Congress that Instagram is harmful to children. With the new 'take a break' and 'nudge' features, Facebook intends to identify whether a kid is viewing the same content often, and if that content "may not be beneficial to their well-being," it will encourage them to look at different stuff. This would simply be a push, not a forced refresh of the feed, so it would still be up to the adolescent user to decide what material they want to see on Instagram. There is no set date for the release of these features, but testing will begin soon. (With inputs from agencies)

Take a break & nudge: Facebook-Instagram to launch features to keep kids away from harmful content

More than 120,000 children in the US have lost a primary caregiver -- a parent or grandparent responsible for providing housing, basic needs and care -- due to COVID-19, revealed a new study.

The study published in the medical journal Pediatrics on Friday&nbsp;said,&nbsp;that in addition to the 120,630 children who were estimated to have lost a primary caregiver, 22,007 lost a secondary caregiver, or a grandparent providing housing but not most basic needs between April 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, reports Xinhua news agency.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/san-francisco-bay-area-to-drop-some-indoor-mask-mandates-419042">San Francisco bay area to drop some indoor mask mandates</a>

"Children facing orphanhood as a result of Covid is a hidden, global pandemic that has sadly not spared the United States," said Susan Hillis, researcher of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and lead author of the study.

"All of us, especially our children, will feel the serious immediate and long-term impact of this problem for generations to come. Addressing the loss that these children have experienced, and continue to experience, must be one of our top priorities, and it must be woven into all aspects of our emergency response, both now and in the post-pandemic future," Hillis said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-covid-19-caseload-tops-2367-million-419033">Global Covid-19 caseload tops 236.7 million</a>

The study was a collaboration between the CDC, Imperial College London, Harvard University, Oxford University, and the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

"The magnitude of young people affected is a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of the past 18 months," said Alexandra Blenkinsop, co-lead researcher of the Imperial College London.

"These findings really highlight those children who have been left most vulnerable by the pandemic, and where additional resources should be directed."

More than 120,000 children in the US have lost a primary caregiver -- a parent or grandparent responsible for providing housing, basic needs and care -- due to COVID-19, revealed a new study.

More than 120,000 children in the US have lost a primary caregiver -- a parent or grandparent responsible for providing housing, basic needs and care -- due to COVID-19, revealed a new study. The study published in the medical journal Pediatrics on Friday said, that in addition to the 120,630 children who were estimated to have lost a primary caregiver, 22,007 lost a secondary caregiver, or a grandparent providing housing but not most basic needs between April 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, reports Xinhua news agency. Also Read | San Francisco bay area to drop some indoor mask mandates "Children facing orphanhood as a result of Covid is a hidden, global pandemic that has sadly not spared the United States," said Susan Hillis, researcher of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and lead author of the study. "All of us, especially our children, will feel the serious immediate and long-term impact of this problem for generations to come. Addressing the loss that these children have experienced, and continue to experience, must be one of our top priorities, and it must be woven into all aspects of our emergency response, both now and in the post-pandemic future," Hillis said. Also Read | Global Covid-19 caseload tops 236.7 million The study was a collaboration between the CDC, Imperial College London, Harvard University, Oxford University, and the University of Cape Town, South Africa. "The magnitude of young people affected is a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of the past 18 months," said Alexandra Blenkinsop, co-lead researcher of the Imperial College London. "These findings really highlight those children who have been left most vulnerable by the pandemic, and where additional resources should be directed."

Over 120,000 kids in US lost a primary caregiver due to COVID-19

India`s drug regulator on Tuesday allowed vaccine maker Serum Institute to enrol kids aged 7-11 years for its COVID-19 vaccine trial as the country prepares to protect children from the coronavirus.

It has already administered more than 870 million doses to adults among its population of nearly 1.4 billion.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-18795-fresh-covid-19-cases-lowest-in-six-months-416546">&nbsp;</a><a href="India records 18,795 fresh COVID-19 cases, lowest in six months">India records 18,795 fresh COVID-19 cases, lowest in six months</a>

"After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended for allowing enrolment of subjects of 7 to 11 years of age group as per the protocol," a subject expert panel of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-virus-expected-to-continue-to-transmit-for-a-very-long-time-says-who-official-416547">Covid virus expected to continue to transmit for a very long time, says WHO official</a>

Serum Institute is already conducting a trial of its COVID-19 vaccine, a domestically produced version of US&nbsp;drugmaker Novavax`s shot, in the 12-17 age group and has presented safety data for an initial 100 participants.

So far, only drugmaker Zydus Cadila`s DNA COVID-19 vaccine has received emergency use approval in India to be used in adults and children aged 12 years and above.

India`s drug regulator on Tuesday allowed vaccine maker Serum Institute to enrol kids aged 7-11 years for its COVID-19 vaccine trial as the country prepares to protect children from the coronavirus.

India`s drug regulator on Tuesday allowed vaccine maker Serum Institute to enrol kids aged 7-11 years for its COVID-19 vaccine trial as the country prepares to protect children from the coronavirus. It has already administered more than 870 million doses to adults among its population of nearly 1.4 billion. Also read | India records 18,795 fresh COVID-19 cases, lowest in six months "After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended for allowing enrolment of subjects of 7 to 11 years of age group as per the protocol," a subject expert panel of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization said. Also read | Covid virus expected to continue to transmit for a very long time, says WHO official Serum Institute is already conducting a trial of its COVID-19 vaccine, a domestically produced version of US drugmaker Novavax`s shot, in the 12-17 age group and has presented safety data for an initial 100 participants. So far, only drugmaker Zydus Cadila`s DNA COVID-19 vaccine has received emergency use approval in India to be used in adults and children aged 12 years and above.

India allows Serum Institute to enrol 7-11 year olds in COVID-19 vaccine trial

Facebook said on Monday that it had paused development of an “Instagram Kids” service that would be tailored for children 13 years old or younger amid questions about the app’s effect on young people’s mental health.

The announcement comes ahead of a congressional hearing this week about internal research conducted by Facebook, and reported in The Wall Street Journal, that showed the harmful mental health effects Instagram was having on teenage girls.

Facebook said it still wanted to build an Instagram product intended for children that would have a more “age appropriate experience,” but was postponing the plans in the face of the outside criticism.

“This will give us time to work with parents, experts, policymakers and regulators, to listen to their concerns, and to demonstrate the value and importance of this project for younger teens online today,” Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, wrote in a blog post.

Facebook has argued that young people are using Instagram anyway, despite age-requirement rules, so it would be better to develop a version more suitable for them. Facebook said the “kids” app was intended for those age 10 to 12 and would require parental permission to join, forgo ads and carry more age-appropriate content and features. Parents would be able to control what accounts their child followed. YouTube, which is owned by Google, has released a children’s version of its app.

But since it became public earlier this year that Facebook was working on the app, the company has faced criticism from policymakers, regulators, child safety groups and consumer rights groups. They have argued that it hooks them on the app at a younger age rather than protecting them from problems with the service, including child predatory grooming, bullying and body shaming.

Opposition to Facebook’s plans gained momentum this month when The Journal published a series of articles based on leaked internal documents that showed Facebook knew about many of the harms it was causing. Facebook’s internal research showed that Instagram, in particular, had a negative mental health effect on young people, especially young girls, even while company executives publicly tried to minimize the app’s downsides.

“We need to keep going and ensure this pause becomes permanent,” said Josh Golin, executive director of Fairplay, a Boston-based group that was part of an international coalition of children’s and consumer groups opposed to the new app. “This is a watershed moment for the growing tech accountability movement.”

American policymakers should pass tougher laws to restrict how tech platforms target children, Golin said. Britain adopted an “Age Appropriate Design Code” last year that requires added privacy protections for digital services used by people under the age of 18.

Golin called on Facebook to conduct a major public education campaign to tell parents to get their children under the age of 13 off Instagram.

On Thursday, Facebook’s global head of safety, Antigone Davis, is scheduled to testify at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “Protecting Kids Online: Facebook, Instagram, and Mental Health Harms.” Davis will be questioned about Facebook’s research into the impact of its apps on young people and its work to address risks to young users.

Mosseri cast the internal research in a positive light, saying it is used to help guide product decisions, including new feature that allow people to pause their account or block certain words that could be used for bullying or harassment.

Facebook said that although plans for a children’s Instagram are postponed, it planned to introduce new parental control features in the coming months.

Facebook said on Monday that it had paused development of an “Instagram Kids” service that would be tailored for children 13 years old or younger amid questions about the app’s effect on young people’s mental health.

Facebook said on Monday that it had paused development of an “Instagram Kids” service that would be tailored for children 13 years old or younger amid questions about the app’s effect on young people’s mental health. The announcement comes ahead of a congressional hearing this week about internal research conducted by Facebook, and reported in The Wall Street Journal, that showed the harmful mental health effects Instagram was having on teenage girls. Facebook said it still wanted to build an Instagram product intended for children that would have a more “age appropriate experience,” but was postponing the plans in the face of the outside criticism. “This will give us time to work with parents, experts, policymakers and regulators, to listen to their concerns, and to demonstrate the value and importance of this project for younger teens online today,” Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, wrote in a blog post. Facebook has argued that young people are using Instagram anyway, despite age-requirement rules, so it would be better to develop a version more suitable for them. Facebook said the “kids” app was intended for those age 10 to 12 and would require parental permission to join, forgo ads and carry more age-appropriate content and features. Parents would be able to control what accounts their child followed. YouTube, which is owned by Google, has released a children’s version of its app. But since it became public earlier this year that Facebook was working on the app, the company has faced criticism from policymakers, regulators, child safety groups and consumer rights groups. They have argued that it hooks them on the app at a younger age rather than protecting them from problems with the service, including child predatory grooming, bullying and body shaming. Opposition to Facebook’s plans gained momentum this month when The Journal published a series of articles based on leaked internal documents that showed Facebook knew about many of the harms it was causing. Facebook’s internal research showed that Instagram, in particular, had a negative mental health effect on young people, especially young girls, even while company executives publicly tried to minimize the app’s downsides. “We need to keep going and ensure this pause becomes permanent,” said Josh Golin, executive director of Fairplay, a Boston-based group that was part of an international coalition of children’s and consumer groups opposed to the new app. “This is a watershed moment for the growing tech accountability movement.” American policymakers should pass tougher laws to restrict how tech platforms target children, Golin said. Britain adopted an “Age Appropriate Design Code” last year that requires added privacy protections for digital services used by people under the age of 18. Golin called on Facebook to conduct a major public education campaign to tell parents to get their children under the age of 13 off Instagram. On Thursday, Facebook’s global head of safety, Antigone Davis, is scheduled to testify at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “Protecting Kids Online: Facebook, Instagram, and Mental Health Harms.” Davis will be questioned about Facebook’s research into the impact of its apps on young people and its work to address risks to young users. Mosseri cast the internal research in a positive light, saying it is used to help guide product decisions, including new feature that allow people to pause their account or block certain words that could be used for bullying or harassment. Facebook said that although plans for a children’s Instagram are postponed, it planned to introduce new parental control features in the coming months.

Facebook is delaying an Instagram app for users under the age of 13

A UNICEF report has again brought the glaring issue of malnutrition to the fore. In a report published on Wednesday, the UN’s children’s agency, said around one third of children under the age of two years in many developing countries are given diet, which is needed for healthy growth. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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In the last decade, no progress has been made on improving their nutrition, the report said. The revelation has come as the UN’s food security summit is going to start on Thursday. &nbsp;

For deplorable condition of children’s nutrition in 91 countries, it holds several issues, such as conflict, COVID-19 and climate breakdown, responsible.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/put-uk-on-covid-high-alert-as-over-100000-kids-go-absent-from-school-warn-headteachers-415010" hreflang="en">Put UK on Covid 'high alert' as over 100,000 kids go absent from school, warn headteachers</a>&nbsp;

Around 50% children aged between six and 23 months in several developing countries were not given the minimum number of meals daily and even fewer had a diet that met least requirement, said the report. &nbsp;

The UNICEF UK said the British government can help tackle the problem by investing in nutrition. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/some-rich-people-are-counting-their-antibodies-like-calories-415009" hreflang="en">Some rich people are counting their antibodies ‘like calories’</a>

UNICEF UK’s senior policy adviser on child health, Jenny Vaughan, said, “Millions of children around the world are affected by the life-limiting outcomes of poor nutrition.” &nbsp;

“By investing £600m to reach 50 million children over the next five years with nutrition-relevant programmes, the UK government would be making a significant contribution to addressing this problem and put millions of children on a path to healthier and brighter futures,” added Vaughan. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A UNICEF report has again brought the glaring issue of malnutrition to the fore. In a report published on Wednesday, the UN’s children’s agency, said around one third of children under the age of two years in many developing countries are given diet, which is needed for healthy growth.

A UNICEF report has again brought the glaring issue of malnutrition to the fore. In a report published on Wednesday, the UN’s children’s agency, said around one third of children under the age of two years in many developing countries are given diet, which is needed for healthy growth. Watch: × In the last decade, no progress has been made on improving their nutrition, the report said. The revelation has come as the UN’s food security summit is going to start on Thursday. For deplorable condition of children’s nutrition in 91 countries, it holds several issues, such as conflict, COVID-19 and climate breakdown, responsible. Also Read: Put UK on Covid 'high alert' as over 100,000 kids go absent from school, warn headteachers Around 50% children aged between six and 23 months in several developing countries were not given the minimum number of meals daily and even fewer had a diet that met least requirement, said the report. The UNICEF UK said the British government can help tackle the problem by investing in nutrition. Also Read: Some rich people are counting their antibodies ‘like calories’ UNICEF UK’s senior policy adviser on child health, Jenny Vaughan, said, “Millions of children around the world are affected by the life-limiting outcomes of poor nutrition.” “By investing £600m to reach 50 million children over the next five years with nutrition-relevant programmes, the UK government would be making a significant contribution to addressing this problem and put millions of children on a path to healthier and brighter futures,” added Vaughan. (With inputs from agencies)

One third kids under two years of age in developing countries are nourished, says UNICEF

As a result of COVID-19, 1.5 million children worldwide have lost a parent, custodial grandparent, or another person who cared for them, according to a collaborative study published in The Lancet.

During the first 14 months of the pandemic, more than 1 million children lost one or both parents, and another half a million children lost a grandmother caregiver living in their own home, according to the report.

Researchers extrapolated findings using COVID-19 mortality data from March 2020 to April 2021, as well as national fertility numbers for 21 nations, to arrive at worldwide estimations.

COVID-19 has resulted in the deaths of 1 million children, 1.1 million children who have lost a parent or custodial grandmother, and more than 1.5 million children who have lost a parent, custodial grandparent, or other secondary familial caregivers.

Children who have lost a parent or caregiver face serious short- and long-term consequences to their health, safety, and well-being, including an increased risk of sickness, physical abuse, sexual violence, and adolescent pregnancy, to name a few.

The researchers call for immediate action in COVID-19 response plans to address the impact of caregiver fatalities on children.

There were an estimated 140 million orphaned children globally before the pandemic.

Mental health issues, familial poverty, and physical, emotional, and sexual assault are all higher dangers for these youngsters.

(With inputs from agencies)

As a result of COVID-19, 1.5 million children worldwide have lost a parent, custodial grandparent, or another person who cared for them, according to a collaborative study published in The Lancet.

As a result of COVID-19, 1.5 million children worldwide have lost a parent, custodial grandparent, or another person who cared for them, according to a collaborative study published in The Lancet. During the first 14 months of the pandemic, more than 1 million children lost one or both parents, and another half a million children lost a grandmother caregiver living in their own home, according to the report. Researchers extrapolated findings using COVID-19 mortality data from March 2020 to April 2021, as well as national fertility numbers for 21 nations, to arrive at worldwide estimations. COVID-19 has resulted in the deaths of 1 million children, 1.1 million children who have lost a parent or custodial grandmother, and more than 1.5 million children who have lost a parent, custodial grandparent, or other secondary familial caregivers. Children who have lost a parent or caregiver face serious short- and long-term consequences to their health, safety, and well-being, including an increased risk of sickness, physical abuse, sexual violence, and adolescent pregnancy, to name a few. The researchers call for immediate action in COVID-19 response plans to address the impact of caregiver fatalities on children. There were an estimated 140 million orphaned children globally before the pandemic. Mental health issues, familial poverty, and physical, emotional, and sexual assault are all higher dangers for these youngsters. (With inputs from agencies)

A silent tragedy: 1.5 million children worldwide lost a parent or caregiver due to COVID-19, says study

Just minutes after logging into social media accounts, children are potentially bombarded with a host of dangerous content that could lead to self-harm,&nbsp;sexualisation, misleading diets and wrong concepts on weight loss, a disturbing study has revealed.

Through the "endless scroll"&nbsp;features, kids are sucked into a vortex&nbsp;of "targeted"&nbsp;content.

Now a study has shed light on the extent of this dangerous practice.

Social media giants like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have come under the radar of governments across the globe with new regulation drives.

Many administrations are increasingly growing wary of the role played by these companies in dissemination of content on their platforms, especially in terms of "targeted content".

Targeted content may be defined as that which is created especially for a niche audience in mind to elicit a specific response. Easiest example? Perhaps the little advertisements you see every time on Instagram that weirdly pitch&nbsp;products you may be looking to buy on other portals. You become the target, and the purchase of the advertised product is the expected response.

With each positive response to such target advertisements, the algorithms that pitch personalised content to users become refined and stronger. While adults may be able to successfully understand that they're targets of a marketplace strategy, children may be inadvertently exposed to dangerous products and content.

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Graphic online content 
 
A new research sheds light on the disturbing content targeting designed especially for children. According to researchers at "Revealing Reality" who undertook the project, accounts of minors and children are being fed inappropriate material soon after joining any social media platform.

What is "inappropriate material", you wonder? In this case, it refers to images of self-harm including razors and cuts.&nbsp;

The researchers&nbsp;set up social media accounts that would essentially resemble the online avatar of a child based on information from kids aged between 13-17. They took into account the kind of profiles generally followed by kids and the nature of content they're expected to "like" across platforms.

Just hours into the creation of accounts on social media, these fake accounts representing kids were fed content about diets and sexualisation. In addition, pornography and other explicit content was easily accessible through these accounts.

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Worryingly, just hours after signing up, the accounts were approached by unknown adults, positing that a part of this targeted content attempted to link kids to adults on social media. This experiment was commissioned by 5Rights Foundation and the Children's Commissioner for England, who are urging governments to formulate rules to regulate the design and models of online platforms.

Researchers believe that such content is dangerous especially for kids who are grappling with body image issues, for they're constantly fed unrealistic ideas of an ideal body type.

A 14-year-old girl, Molly Russell took her own life after viewing graphic self-harm and suicidal content online. Her father, Ian Russell told SkyNews that social media companies prioritise profit over safety and is urging governments to bring online content in line with what kids are shown in the physical world.

Facebook, Instagram and TikTok were named explicitly in the report. In response, both Facebook (which also owns Instagram) and TikTok commissioned the same staple response, claiming they have robust models to ensure kids are safe on their platforms.&nbsp;

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Weight-loss frenzy 
 
The same research also revealed how&nbsp;Instagram is flooding the feeds of teenagers with weight-loss content. While accounts created for girls were receiving more content about dieting and losing weight, ghost accounts for boys were constantly fed images of models with unrealistic body types.

In one instance, an account set up for a 17-year-old girl liked a post about dieting which Instagram fed to the account in its "Explore" tab&nbsp;where people discover new content from users they may not be "following". Soon, suggestions in the "Explore" section radically changed to focus on weight loss, with amplification&nbsp;of&nbsp;"distorted body shapes". Similar patterns were noted for accounts created for girls.

Instagram claims that the study only represents a fraction of the teenage experience on its platform, claiming the content shown in the research&nbsp;is the kind which shows up when actively searched by users.

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United Kingdom has taken the need to protect children from harmful content extremely seriously.

Six weeks from now, social media companies will be required to follow a strict set of rules for age-appropriate content on social media, which the county's Information Commissioner's Office is calling the pursuit of a "child-safe internet".

Starting September, companies will be expected to curate child-friendly content on their platforms by default, instead of the current model which operates under the assumption that every user on their portal is an adult until they state otherwise. With this, the United Kingdom is&nbsp;setting a precedent for other countries where there are no safeguards for children in the online sphere.&nbsp;

Just minutes after logging into social media accounts, children are potentially bombarded with a host of dangerous content that could lead to self-harm, sexualisation, misleading diets and wrong concepts on weight loss, a disturbing study has revealed.

Just minutes after logging into social media accounts, children are potentially bombarded with a host of dangerous content that could lead to self-harm, sexualisation, misleading diets and wrong concepts on weight loss, a disturbing study has revealed. Through the "endless scroll" features, kids are sucked into a vortex of "targeted" content. Now a study has shed light on the extent of this dangerous practice. Social media giants like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have come under the radar of governments across the globe with new regulation drives. Many administrations are increasingly growing wary of the role played by these companies in dissemination of content on their platforms, especially in terms of "targeted content". Targeted content may be defined as that which is created especially for a niche audience in mind to elicit a specific response. Easiest example? Perhaps the little advertisements you see every time on Instagram that weirdly pitch products you may be looking to buy on other portals. You become the target, and the purchase of the advertised product is the expected response. With each positive response to such target advertisements, the algorithms that pitch personalised content to users become refined and stronger. While adults may be able to successfully understand that they're targets of a marketplace strategy, children may be inadvertently exposed to dangerous products and content. Graphic online content A new research sheds light on the disturbing content targeting designed especially for children. According to researchers at "Revealing Reality" who undertook the project, accounts of minors and children are being fed inappropriate material soon after joining any social media platform. What is "inappropriate material", you wonder? In this case, it refers to images of self-harm including razors and cuts. The researchers set up social media accounts that would essentially resemble the online avatar of a child based on information from kids aged between 13-17. They took into account the kind of profiles generally followed by kids and the nature of content they're expected to "like" across platforms. Just hours into the creation of accounts on social media, these fake accounts representing kids were fed content about diets and sexualisation. In addition, pornography and other explicit content was easily accessible through these accounts. Worryingly, just hours after signing up, the accounts were approached by unknown adults, positing that a part of this targeted content attempted to link kids to adults on social media. This experiment was commissioned by 5Rights Foundation and the Children's Commissioner for England, who are urging governments to formulate rules to regulate the design and models of online platforms. Researchers believe that such content is dangerous especially for kids who are grappling with body image issues, for they're constantly fed unrealistic ideas of an ideal body type. A 14-year-old girl, Molly Russell took her own life after viewing graphic self-harm and suicidal content online. Her father, Ian Russell told SkyNews that social media companies prioritise profit over safety and is urging governments to bring online content in line with what kids are shown in the physical world. Facebook, Instagram and TikTok were named explicitly in the report. In response, both Facebook (which also owns Instagram) and TikTok commissioned the same staple response, claiming they have robust models to ensure kids are safe on their platforms. Weight-loss frenzy The same research also revealed how Instagram is flooding the feeds of teenagers with weight-loss content. While accounts created for girls were receiving more content about dieting and losing weight, ghost accounts for boys were constantly fed images of models with unrealistic body types. In one instance, an account set up for a 17-year-old girl liked a post about dieting which Instagram fed to the account in its "Explore" tab where people discover new content from users they may not be "following". Soon, suggestions in the "Explore" section radically changed to focus on weight loss, with amplification of "distorted body shapes". Similar patterns were noted for accounts created for girls. Instagram claims that the study only represents a fraction of the teenage experience on its platform, claiming the content shown in the research is the kind which shows up when actively searched by users. United Kingdom has taken the need to protect children from harmful content extremely seriously. Six weeks from now, social media companies will be required to follow a strict set of rules for age-appropriate content on social media, which the county's Information Commissioner's Office is calling the pursuit of a "child-safe internet". Starting September, companies will be expected to curate child-friendly content on their platforms by default, instead of the current model which operates under the assumption that every user on their portal is an adult until they state otherwise. With this, the United Kingdom is setting a precedent for other countries where there are no safeguards for children in the online sphere.

This is how social media giants are feeding dangerous content to children

Physical punishment of children is not effective in preventing child behaviour problems or promoting positive outcomes, according to a substantial narrative review.

The study predicts that punishments such as spanking increases in behaviour problems and other negative consequences over time. 
&nbsp; 
The Lancet jouurnal published a study by an international group of academics, including a researcher from The University of Texas in Austin.

The research evaluated 69 studies into corporal punishment conducted over the past 20 years. 
&nbsp; 
According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), almost 300 million, or three-quarters, of the world's two- to four-year-old children are subjected to psychological abuse, physical punishment, or both by their caregivers at home. 
&nbsp; 
Sixty-two countries have banned the practice, which is increasingly seen as a form of violence. 
&nbsp; 
The consistency of these findings indicates that physical punishment is harmful to children and that policy remedies are warranted. 
&nbsp; 
The researchers looked at studies that involved physical punishment, such as spanking, and ruled out any practices that would be considered child abuse. 
&nbsp; 
The researchers discovered plenty of data to back up a UN statement from the Committee on the Rights of the Child, which urged that countries stop using all forms of physical punishment on children. 
&nbsp; 
UNICEF is urging governments to take immediate action and support measures such as developing well-coordinated national action plans, changing adult behaviours, limiting access to firearms and other weapons, and educating children, parents, teachers, and community members to recognise and report violence in all of its forms. 
&nbsp; 
(With inputs from agencies)

Physical punishment of children is not effective in preventing child behaviour problems or promoting positive outcomes, according to a substantial narrative review.

Physical punishment of children is not effective in preventing child behaviour problems or promoting positive outcomes, according to a substantial narrative review. The study predicts that punishments such as spanking increases in behaviour problems and other negative consequences over time. The Lancet jouurnal published a study by an international group of academics, including a researcher from The University of Texas in Austin. The research evaluated 69 studies into corporal punishment conducted over the past 20 years. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), almost 300 million, or three-quarters, of the world's two- to four-year-old children are subjected to psychological abuse, physical punishment, or both by their caregivers at home. Sixty-two countries have banned the practice, which is increasingly seen as a form of violence. The consistency of these findings indicates that physical punishment is harmful to children and that policy remedies are warranted. The researchers looked at studies that involved physical punishment, such as spanking, and ruled out any practices that would be considered child abuse. The researchers discovered plenty of data to back up a UN statement from the Committee on the Rights of the Child, which urged that countries stop using all forms of physical punishment on children. UNICEF is urging governments to take immediate action and support measures such as developing well-coordinated national action plans, changing adult behaviours, limiting access to firearms and other weapons, and educating children, parents, teachers, and community members to recognise and report violence in all of its forms. (With inputs from agencies)

Spanking harmful to children, worsens their behaviour: Lancet study

Seven-year-old Russell Bright squeezed his dad's hand tightly as tests of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine started on Monday in Louisiana for children ages 5 through 11.

Children held stuffed animals, played under chairs and a few cried at Ochsner Medical Center, just outside New Orleans. Their temperature and blood pressure were checked, their noses swabbed and their blood drawn for tests. Finally, they got a shot of either the vaccine or a placebo.

Ochsner is among 98 facilities in 26 states, the District of Columbia, Finland, Poland and Spain where the tests are taking place or planned. Families won't know for six months whether their children actually were vaccinated. At that point, children who didn't get the vaccine will have the chance to do so.

The Pfizer vaccine was approved on May 10 for children aged 12-15. Adam Bright, whose younger son Tucker, 5, also is participating, said it was worth the chance to be a part of the trial. "I want to do my part and have my kids do their part," he said.

"Both me and my wife are already vaccinated, and so the sooner I can get them vaccinated and to feel comfortable being outside, not having to wear a mask, I thought the easiest way to get it is to go through the trial." Russell, wearing a Spiderman mask, said he longs for a summer vacation that can include the water park or a longer trip&nbsp;and then school without masks and social distancing. "I'm looking forward to seeing my friends more and not wearing masks," he said. "You can't see if I'm making a frown or a smile. I don't like to wear them."

Five-year-old Kalil Chaudhry-Halperin held a stuffed toy Bruni 'the lizard-like fire spirit in the movie Frozen 2' as he waited at Ochsner. He was shy and a bit nervous, but his dad, Jason Halperin, says Kalil was excited, because he knows his parents and his 12-year-old sister have all been vaccinated.

"You know how much we've all been through, our entire community, but now we have safe, effective, life-saving vaccines, and it not only helps him but the entire community and anyone vulnerable around our family," Jason Halperin said.

"That's a great lesson to impart to our children." Adam Bright said he's confident the Pfizer vaccine is safe, especially after seeing how smoothly vaccinations seem to be going for the next age group up.

Russell said he hopes that if and when the vaccine is cleared for emergency use for kids his age, they'll take advantage of the chance. "Be brave and do it," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Seven-year-old Russell Bright squeezed his dad's hand tightly as tests of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine started on Monday in Louisiana for children ages 5 through 11.

Seven-year-old Russell Bright squeezed his dad's hand tightly as tests of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine started on Monday in Louisiana for children ages 5 through 11. Children held stuffed animals, played under chairs and a few cried at Ochsner Medical Center, just outside New Orleans. Their temperature and blood pressure were checked, their noses swabbed and their blood drawn for tests. Finally, they got a shot of either the vaccine or a placebo. Ochsner is among 98 facilities in 26 states, the District of Columbia, Finland, Poland and Spain where the tests are taking place or planned. Families won't know for six months whether their children actually were vaccinated. At that point, children who didn't get the vaccine will have the chance to do so. The Pfizer vaccine was approved on May 10 for children aged 12-15. Adam Bright, whose younger son Tucker, 5, also is participating, said it was worth the chance to be a part of the trial. "I want to do my part and have my kids do their part," he said. "Both me and my wife are already vaccinated, and so the sooner I can get them vaccinated and to feel comfortable being outside, not having to wear a mask, I thought the easiest way to get it is to go through the trial." Russell, wearing a Spiderman mask, said he longs for a summer vacation that can include the water park or a longer trip and then school without masks and social distancing. "I'm looking forward to seeing my friends more and not wearing masks," he said. "You can't see if I'm making a frown or a smile. I don't like to wear them." Five-year-old Kalil Chaudhry-Halperin held a stuffed toy Bruni 'the lizard-like fire spirit in the movie Frozen 2' as he waited at Ochsner. He was shy and a bit nervous, but his dad, Jason Halperin, says Kalil was excited, because he knows his parents and his 12-year-old sister have all been vaccinated. "You know how much we've all been through, our entire community, but now we have safe, effective, life-saving vaccines, and it not only helps him but the entire community and anyone vulnerable around our family," Jason Halperin said. "That's a great lesson to impart to our children." Adam Bright said he's confident the Pfizer vaccine is safe, especially after seeing how smoothly vaccinations seem to be going for the next age group up. Russell said he hopes that if and when the vaccine is cleared for emergency use for kids his age, they'll take advantage of the chance. "Be brave and do it," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Kids aged 5 and up get shots in tests for COVID-19 vaccine

The coronavirus pandemic has severely affected children's rights worldwide, with young people risking a "generational catastrophe" if governments do not act, a rights group said in an annual survey Thursday.

Millions of children have missed out on education because of Covid-19 restrictions while there will be a long term impact in terms of their physical and mental health, Dutch NGO KidsRights said as it launched its annual ranking.

The survey ranks Iceland, Switzerland and Finland as best for children's rights and Chad, Afghanistan and Sierra Leone as the worst, out of a total of 182 countries.

Marc Dulleart, founder and chairman of KidsRights, said that the effects of the pandemic on children had "unfortunately exceeded our predictions at the outset last year".

"Apart from patients of the coronavirus, children have been hardest hit, not directly by the virus itself, but fundamentally failed through the deferred actions of governments around the world," he said.

"Educational recovery is the key to avoiding generational catastrophe," Dulleart added.

The group said schools for more than 168 million children have been closed for almost a full year, with one in three children worldwide unable to access remote learning while their schools were shut.

An additional 142 million kids fell into material poverty as the global economy was hit by the pandemic, while 370 million kids missed out on school meals.

KidsRights paid tribute to Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford for his campaign to extend free school meals.&nbsp;

It also hailed Bangladesh for taking over a national TV channel for homeschooling and praised Belgium and Sweden for trying to keep schools open.

Meanwhile, 80 million children under the age of one could miss out on routine vaccination for other diseases because of disruption to healthcare systems, it said.

The report said there was also an "astonishing increase" in domestic violence during lockdowns, with children often the victims.&nbsp;

KidsRights included Palestine on its list for the first time, placing it in the 104th position due to a focus on healthcare despite difficult circumstances.

However, as in previous years, it gave low scores to Britain, Australia and New Zealand, due to a lack of legal protection for children relative to their wealth.

Britain and New Zealand were ranked at 169 and 168 respectively, below North Korea, Syria, Iraq, and Sudan, and just ahead of Eritrea.

Austria and Hungary also fell heavily due to discrimination.&nbsp;

The survey uses UN data to measure how countries measure up to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The coronavirus pandemic has severely affected children's rights worldwide, with young people risking a "generational catastrophe" if governments do not act, a rights group said in an annual survey Thursday.

The coronavirus pandemic has severely affected children's rights worldwide, with young people risking a "generational catastrophe" if governments do not act, a rights group said in an annual survey Thursday. Millions of children have missed out on education because of Covid-19 restrictions while there will be a long term impact in terms of their physical and mental health, Dutch NGO KidsRights said as it launched its annual ranking. The survey ranks Iceland, Switzerland and Finland as best for children's rights and Chad, Afghanistan and Sierra Leone as the worst, out of a total of 182 countries. Marc Dulleart, founder and chairman of KidsRights, said that the effects of the pandemic on children had "unfortunately exceeded our predictions at the outset last year". "Apart from patients of the coronavirus, children have been hardest hit, not directly by the virus itself, but fundamentally failed through the deferred actions of governments around the world," he said. "Educational recovery is the key to avoiding generational catastrophe," Dulleart added. The group said schools for more than 168 million children have been closed for almost a full year, with one in three children worldwide unable to access remote learning while their schools were shut. An additional 142 million kids fell into material poverty as the global economy was hit by the pandemic, while 370 million kids missed out on school meals. KidsRights paid tribute to Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford for his campaign to extend free school meals. It also hailed Bangladesh for taking over a national TV channel for homeschooling and praised Belgium and Sweden for trying to keep schools open. Meanwhile, 80 million children under the age of one could miss out on routine vaccination for other diseases because of disruption to healthcare systems, it said. The report said there was also an "astonishing increase" in domestic violence during lockdowns, with children often the victims. KidsRights included Palestine on its list for the first time, placing it in the 104th position due to a focus on healthcare despite difficult circumstances. However, as in previous years, it gave low scores to Britain, Australia and New Zealand, due to a lack of legal protection for children relative to their wealth. Britain and New Zealand were ranked at 169 and 168 respectively, below North Korea, Syria, Iraq, and Sudan, and just ahead of Eritrea. Austria and Hungary also fell heavily due to discrimination. The survey uses UN data to measure how countries measure up to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Children risk 'generational catastrophe' from COVID-19: Watchdog

The Wuhan Virus is now infecting children. Singapore says virus is 'attacking' children more. Brazil is reporting a rise in 'child deaths' & Taiwan has shut down all schools. Palki Sharma tells you why India can't ignore these global trends.

Gravitas: Wuhan virus is now infecting children

Are you planning to buy a new toy for your child? Does the toy you have on your mind contain magnets? HOLD ON! Watch this report by Palki Sharma first.

Gravitas: Rise in number of kids swallowing magnets

Doctors from major hospitals in England sounded an alarm on Wednesday over a fivefold increase in the number of young children requiring medical treatment after swallowing magnets from toys.&nbsp;

Nearly half of these kids aged four months and up required surgery to remove the magnets, often followed by complications, they reported in a research letter published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, a medical journal.&nbsp;

From 2016 through 2020, four major hospitals in southeastern England admitted 251 children, who had swallowed a foreign object. &nbsp;

Coins accounted for 37 per cent of the items ingested, ahead of magnets (21 per cent) and button batteries (17 per cent).&nbsp;

Across all categories, the number of cases increased by more than half over this period.&nbsp;

But those involving magnets, mostly brightly coloured, matchstick-like pieces found in building sets, jumped five-fold, they reported.&nbsp;

More than 40 per cent of these incidents required surgery for removal.&nbsp;

"This was either laparoscopy, also known as 'key-hole' surgery, or open abdominal surgery to retrieve the magnets from the intestine," Hemanshoo Thakkar, a paediatric surgeon at Evelina London Children's Hospital, told AFP.&nbsp;

In half of the cases, there were complications.&nbsp;

"As the children suffer from a perforation, their abdomen becomes contaminated and this can result in ongoing infections," Thakkar explained.&nbsp;

Doctors from major hospitals in England sounded an alarm on Wednesday over a fivefold increase in the number of young children requiring medical treatment after swallowing magnets from toys.

Doctors from major hospitals in England sounded an alarm on Wednesday over a fivefold increase in the number of young children requiring medical treatment after swallowing magnets from toys. Nearly half of these kids aged four months and up required surgery to remove the magnets, often followed by complications, they reported in a research letter published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, a medical journal. From 2016 through 2020, four major hospitals in southeastern England admitted 251 children, who had swallowed a foreign object. Coins accounted for 37 per cent of the items ingested, ahead of magnets (21 per cent) and button batteries (17 per cent). Across all categories, the number of cases increased by more than half over this period. But those involving magnets, mostly brightly coloured, matchstick-like pieces found in building sets, jumped five-fold, they reported. More than 40 per cent of these incidents required surgery for removal. "This was either laparoscopy, also known as 'key-hole' surgery, or open abdominal surgery to retrieve the magnets from the intestine," Hemanshoo Thakkar, a paediatric surgeon at Evelina London Children's Hospital, told AFP. In half of the cases, there were complications. "As the children suffer from a perforation, their abdomen becomes contaminated and this can result in ongoing infections," Thakkar explained.

Doctors sound alarm over 5-fold jump in kids swallowing magnets 

China's &nbsp;Li Xiao-Shuang gymnastics school has resorted to ruthless torture in the name of hard training to help kids become the country's champion.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-man-kidnaps-and-kills-to-provide-dead-body-in-burial-scam-377582" hreflang="en">Chinese man kidnaps and kills to provide dead body in burial scam</a>

Kids from&nbsp;disturbingly low average age are the latest recruits of Li Xiao-Shuang gymnastics school, the cradle of China's elite gymnasts.

They are training for glory -- under the Chinese flag. Most of these children are just six years old.

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They can bend like pretzels, they can hang from bars, they can do headstands for several minutes and sometimes they get emotional.

Despite the tough nature of these drills, officials at the gymnasium say the current methods are way more relaxed than before.

Liu Fen, deputy headmaster of Li Xiao-Shuang gymnastics school said: "We are more relaxed now. In the past, we certainly hoped to produce lots of champions, but now society and the people's minds are changing, so our training mode is also changing. If you always follow the old training mode to teach, it won't work."

The young gymnasts here pause only to take sips from their water bottle or to review their performance from tablets.&nbsp;

If they are not up to the mark, they bow to their coaches in apology and if their performance is below average, they are punished with extra weight training.

But their parents claim the children hardly ever complain.&nbsp;One of the children's parents said: "My daughter hardly complains about feeling tired of practising gymnastics at school. She thinks the training is fine. Sometimes I worry about her, but I never show it on my face. I just cheer her on."

At the end of their long day of training, the children are given meals,&nbsp;which predominantly have clean protein and healthy carbs. Cheat meals are strictly prohibited.&nbsp;

Everybody is training to be a champion even though some do not understand the meaning of the word.

Di Xiyun, one of the students in the gymnastics school said: "I want to be the world runner-up. I feel that I'm practising quite well so I want to work as hard as I can to be the runner-up. The champion is also good."

Upon asking the question about the words 'runner-up' and 'champion' she replied: "I don't know what first place is called so i just randomly said one."

This gymnasium&nbsp;is just one of the hundreds of intense sports boarding schools across China where thousands of children train for years in the hopes of bringing money and&nbsp;honour to their families.&nbsp;

The majority don't make the grade &nbsp;and their dream dies early for those who remain -- the pressure to win is intense.

China's Li Xiao-Shuang gymnastics school has resorted to ruthless torture in the name of hard training to help kids become the country's champion. ALSO READ: Chinese man kidnaps and kills to provide dead body in burial scam Kids from disturbingly low average age are the latest recruits of Li Xiao-Shuang gymnastics school, the cradle of China's elite gymnasts.

China's Li Xiao-Shuang gymnastics school has resorted to ruthless torture in the name of hard training to help kids become the country's champion. ALSO READ: Chinese man kidnaps and kills to provide dead body in burial scam Kids from disturbingly low average age are the latest recruits of Li Xiao-Shuang gymnastics school, the cradle of China's elite gymnasts. They are training for glory -- under the Chinese flag. Most of these children are just six years old. × They can bend like pretzels, they can hang from bars, they can do headstands for several minutes and sometimes they get emotional. Despite the tough nature of these drills, officials at the gymnasium say the current methods are way more relaxed than before. Liu Fen, deputy headmaster of Li Xiao-Shuang gymnastics school said: "We are more relaxed now. In the past, we certainly hoped to produce lots of champions, but now society and the people's minds are changing, so our training mode is also changing. If you always follow the old training mode to teach, it won't work." The young gymnasts here pause only to take sips from their water bottle or to review their performance from tablets. If they are not up to the mark, they bow to their coaches in apology and if their performance is below average, they are punished with extra weight training. But their parents claim the children hardly ever complain. One of the children's parents said: "My daughter hardly complains about feeling tired of practising gymnastics at school. She thinks the training is fine. Sometimes I worry about her, but I never show it on my face. I just cheer her on." At the end of their long day of training, the children are given meals, which predominantly have clean protein and healthy carbs. Cheat meals are strictly prohibited. Everybody is training to be a champion even though some do not understand the meaning of the word. Di Xiyun, one of the students in the gymnastics school said: "I want to be the world runner-up. I feel that I'm practising quite well so I want to work as hard as I can to be the runner-up. The champion is also good." Upon asking the question about the words 'runner-up' and 'champion' she replied: "I don't know what first place is called so i just randomly said one." This gymnasium is just one of the hundreds of intense sports boarding schools across China where thousands of children train for years in the hopes of bringing money and honour to their families. The majority don't make the grade and their dream dies early for those who remain -- the pressure to win is intense.

Training or terror? China's state sports system turning kids into factory products

UK scientists have discovered a rare genetic disease, which causes delays in intellectual development and leads to early onset of cataracts, in children.

The condition is likely to affect one in 17 kids, however, it is so new that it doesn’t have a name yet, stated the research team from the universities of Portsmouth and Southampton.

They found that a majority of patients with the condition were also microcephalic, a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age.

In the study, published in the journal Genome Medicine, the team found that changes in a gene called coat protein complex 1 (COPB1) is the reason behind this new genetic disease.

Identifying the variant will help clinicians develop targeted interventions as well as open the door to screening and prenatal diagnosis.

For the study, the team sequenced the DNA of affected patients and their family members, which identified COPB1 as the potential underlying cause of the disease.

Using tadpoles to mimic the human gene variants, the tadpoles with the COPB1 gene changes had variably smaller brains than the control tadpoles and many of them had cataracts, just like the patients. This showed the link between the gene and disease very clearly.

"In our initial experiments to test the link between a genetic variation and a disease we found to our surprise that by altering the DNA of tadpoles, four times out of five we could re-create the disease-related changes seen in human patients. This will allow us to support our colleagues in providing more timely, accurate diagnosis that patients and their families so desperately need," said co-author Matt Guille, Professor at Portsmouth University.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

UK scientists have discovered a rare genetic disease, which causes delays in intellectual development and leads to early onset of cataracts, in children. The condition is likely to affect one in 17 kids, however, it is so new that it doesn’t have a name yet, stated the research team from the universities of Portsmouth and Southampton.

UK scientists have discovered a rare genetic disease, which causes delays in intellectual development and leads to early onset of cataracts, in children. The condition is likely to affect one in 17 kids, however, it is so new that it doesn’t have a name yet, stated the research team from the universities of Portsmouth and Southampton. They found that a majority of patients with the condition were also microcephalic, a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age. In the study, published in the journal Genome Medicine, the team found that changes in a gene called coat protein complex 1 (COPB1) is the reason behind this new genetic disease. Identifying the variant will help clinicians develop targeted interventions as well as open the door to screening and prenatal diagnosis. For the study, the team sequenced the DNA of affected patients and their family members, which identified COPB1 as the potential underlying cause of the disease. Using tadpoles to mimic the human gene variants, the tadpoles with the COPB1 gene changes had variably smaller brains than the control tadpoles and many of them had cataracts, just like the patients. This showed the link between the gene and disease very clearly. "In our initial experiments to test the link between a genetic variation and a disease we found to our surprise that by altering the DNA of tadpoles, four times out of five we could re-create the disease-related changes seen in human patients. This will allow us to support our colleagues in providing more timely, accurate diagnosis that patients and their families so desperately need," said co-author Matt Guille, Professor at Portsmouth University. (With inputs from agencies)

Genetic disease delaying kids' brain development discovered

Taiwan has been in the news a lot lately, especially owing to the strained relationship with China, and the newly found global support.

But something even more uncanny happened recently. A three-year-old girl recently flew high with the kites, literally.&nbsp;The kid was holding on to the kite strings and was lifted above into the air with the kite.

The kid was not harmed in the process, and was reportedly participating in a kite festival on Sunday in Taiwan’s coastal town called Nanliao.

In the video, one can see her holding on to a long orange kite, and her being lifted off the group momentarily.

Watch the clip below

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A kid in Taiwan accidentally got latched onto a kite. Fortunately the kid is safe. <a href="https://t.co/ftLsyglxBd">pic.twitter.com/ftLsyglxBd</a>
— Toon Seri Anthraxxxx (@anthraxxxx) <a href="https://twitter.com/anthraxxxx/status/1300024328096903168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The kid became entangled in the strings attached to the kite, and owing to the wind, was seen ‘flying’.

She was lifted off the ground by a few metres, and in the clip it is visible that she was lifted above the ground by the kite, after which bystanders tried hard to bring her down to the ground.

According to local media, the girl was rescued unharmed, but was naturally terrified.

Here's another clip of the incident

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Terrifying moment a child at a kite festival in Hsinchu, northern Taiwan gets tangled up in a kite and lifted fifty feet up into the air. <a href="https://t.co/YAPL545yAn">pic.twitter.com/YAPL545yAn</a>
— Mike Fagan (@MikeFaganTaiwan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeFaganTaiwan/status/1300050705336606723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In the aftermath of the mishap, Lin Chih-chien, the mayor of Hsinchu city issued a public apology, while adding that all activities have been halted for now, owing to the high paced wings in the area.

Additionally, the girl was escorted to the hospital, with the help of the municipal authorities. The kid had some scratched on her neck, but no major injuries were spotted.

The mayor promised to review the incident while adding that such accidents will be prevented from happening again.

Taiwan has been in the news a lot lately, especially owing to the strained relationship with China, and the newly found global support. But something even more uncanny happened recently.

Taiwan has been in the news a lot lately, especially owing to the strained relationship with China, and the newly found global support. But something even more uncanny happened recently. A three-year-old girl recently flew high with the kites, literally. The kid was holding on to the kite strings and was lifted above into the air with the kite. The kid was not harmed in the process, and was reportedly participating in a kite festival on Sunday in Taiwan’s coastal town called Nanliao. In the video, one can see her holding on to a long orange kite, and her being lifted off the group momentarily. Watch the clip below A kid in Taiwan accidentally got latched onto a kite. Fortunately the kid is safe. pic.twitter.com/ftLsyglxBd — Toon Seri Anthraxxxx (@anthraxxxx) August 30, 2020 × The kid became entangled in the strings attached to the kite, and owing to the wind, was seen ‘flying’. She was lifted off the ground by a few metres, and in the clip it is visible that she was lifted above the ground by the kite, after which bystanders tried hard to bring her down to the ground. According to local media, the girl was rescued unharmed, but was naturally terrified. Here's another clip of the incident Terrifying moment a child at a kite festival in Hsinchu, northern Taiwan gets tangled up in a kite and lifted fifty feet up into the air. pic.twitter.com/YAPL545yAn — Mike Fagan (@MikeFaganTaiwan) August 30, 2020 × In the aftermath of the mishap, Lin Chih-chien, the mayor of Hsinchu city issued a public apology, while adding that all activities have been halted for now, owing to the high paced wings in the area. Additionally, the girl was escorted to the hospital, with the help of the municipal authorities. The kid had some scratched on her neck, but no major injuries were spotted. The mayor promised to review the incident while adding that such accidents will be prevented from happening again.

Watch: 3-year-old girl flung into the air by a humongous kite in Taiwan

Coronavirus pandemic has brought the world to a standstill. Most businesses still remain shut or disrupted, and educational institutions are also finding it challenging to reopen amid safety concerns.

A British charity named Save The Children on Monday warned of an “unprecedented education emergency”, which would jeopardise the education of over 9.7 million kids, who may never return to school. 
 
1.6 kids with no access to education

Citing data by UNESCO, the charity showed how in April 2020, over 1.6 billion students had lost access to schools and universities in a bid to counter the coronavirus crisis. This was a big number, for it refers to 90 per cent of the global student population.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-records-highest-single-daily-spike-with-230370-global-coronavirus-cases-312834">WHO records highest single-daily spike with 230,370 global coronavirus cases</a>

The new report titled “Save Our Education” claims,” For the first time in human history, an entire generation of children globally have had their education disrupted”.

Additionally, in the aftermath of the virus and during the recovery process, over 90 to 117 million children could befall to poverty, which would in turn even decrease the number of kids attending school.

<h6><img alt="Students wear face masks as they study in a classroom in a high school in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on July 10, 2020. High schools in Wuhan reopened on July 10 after the start of the term was delayed due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b786b26f-1449-41d0-89d3-3ff913e62ce4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-5_9.jpg" /> 
&nbsp;Students wear face masks as they study in a classroom in a high school in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on July 10, 2020. High schools in Wuhan reopened on July 10 after the start of the term was delayed due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Based on economical and social factors, the report claimed that a whopping 9.7 million children will drop out of school permanently. They took into account the fact that more kids will now be pushed into informal unemployment, and girls may be forced to marry in many situations.

The coronavirus pandemic could also cause $77 billion worth of losses in the education sector and less stipulation in the budget, accelerating the crisis in the low and middle income countries by the end of 2021.

"Around 10 million children may never return to school, this is an unprecedented education emergency and governments must urgently invest in learning,"&nbsp;the charity’s chief executive Inger Ashing said.

The inequality between male and female students is also expected to spike.” Instead we are at risk of unparalleled budget cuts which will see existing inequality explode between the rich and the poor, and between boys and girls”, it said.

Funds needed urgently

In the report, the charity also stressed on the need to urgently pump more money into the education sector, to ensure kids return to schools, especially in developing countries.

"We know the poorest, most marginalised children who were already the furthest behind have suffered the greatest loss, with no access to distance learning - or any kind of education - for half an academic year," Ashing added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-bringing-record-1-trillion-of-new-global-corporate-debt-in-2020-report-312840">Covid-19 bringing record $1 trillion of new global corporate debt in 2020</a>

The charity also suggested the nullification of debt repayments by poor countries, which would “free up” $14 billion for pumping money into education programmes across the globe.

"If we allow this education crisis to unfold, the impact on children's futures will be long lasting. The promise the world has made to ensure all children have access to a quality education by 2030, will be set back by years," Ashing said.

According to the report, the kids in following countries are at the most risk: Afghanistan, Chad, Niger, Mali, Liberia, Mauritania, Yemen, Nigeria, Pakistan, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Senegal.

Coronavirus pandemic has brought the world to a standstill. Most businesses still remain shut or disrupted, and educational institutions are also finding it challenging to reopen amid safety concerns.

Coronavirus pandemic has brought the world to a standstill. Most businesses still remain shut or disrupted, and educational institutions are also finding it challenging to reopen amid safety concerns. A British charity named Save The Children on Monday warned of an “unprecedented education emergency”, which would jeopardise the education of over 9.7 million kids, who may never return to school. 1.6 kids with no access to education Citing data by UNESCO, the charity showed how in April 2020, over 1.6 billion students had lost access to schools and universities in a bid to counter the coronavirus crisis. This was a big number, for it refers to 90 per cent of the global student population. Also read: WHO records highest single-daily spike with 230,370 global coronavirus cases The new report titled “Save Our Education” claims,” For the first time in human history, an entire generation of children globally have had their education disrupted”. Additionally, in the aftermath of the virus and during the recovery process, over 90 to 117 million children could befall to poverty, which would in turn even decrease the number of kids attending school. Students wear face masks as they study in a classroom in a high school in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on July 10, 2020. High schools in Wuhan reopened on July 10 after the start of the term was delayed due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. | AFP Based on economical and social factors, the report claimed that a whopping 9.7 million children will drop out of school permanently. They took into account the fact that more kids will now be pushed into informal unemployment, and girls may be forced to marry in many situations. The coronavirus pandemic could also cause $77 billion worth of losses in the education sector and less stipulation in the budget, accelerating the crisis in the low and middle income countries by the end of 2021. "Around 10 million children may never return to school, this is an unprecedented education emergency and governments must urgently invest in learning," the charity’s chief executive Inger Ashing said. The inequality between male and female students is also expected to spike.” Instead we are at risk of unparalleled budget cuts which will see existing inequality explode between the rich and the poor, and between boys and girls”, it said. Funds needed urgently In the report, the charity also stressed on the need to urgently pump more money into the education sector, to ensure kids return to schools, especially in developing countries. "We know the poorest, most marginalised children who were already the furthest behind have suffered the greatest loss, with no access to distance learning - or any kind of education - for half an academic year," Ashing added. Also read: Covid-19 bringing record $1 trillion of new global corporate debt in 2020 The charity also suggested the nullification of debt repayments by poor countries, which would “free up” $14 billion for pumping money into education programmes across the globe. "If we allow this education crisis to unfold, the impact on children's futures will be long lasting. The promise the world has made to ensure all children have access to a quality education by 2030, will be set back by years," Ashing said. According to the report, the kids in following countries are at the most risk: Afghanistan, Chad, Niger, Mali, Liberia, Mauritania, Yemen, Nigeria, Pakistan, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Senegal.

Over 10 million kids may permanently drop out of school due to the pandemic, a new report claims

Walt Disney World, the world's largest theme park, could begin opening in phases starting on July 11 if plans win approval from Florida's governor, Walt Disney Co executives said during a webcast meeting in Florida on Wednesday (May 27).

Disney lays out plans to reopen Florida theme park in July

A five-year-old boy travelled alone from Delhi to meet his mother in Bengaluru after three months.&nbsp;A few domestic flight routes started plying across the country, and Vihaan Sharma was one of these fights.

Bearing a “special category” ticket, the boy met his mother after three months at the Kempegowda International Airport, ANI reported.

Flights resumed operation today after two months owing to the lockdown induced by the COVID-19 pandemic which continues to wreak havoc across the country.

"My five-year-old son Vihaan has travelled alone from Delhi, he has come back to Bengaluru after three months," his mother told ANI, holding Vihaan, donning protective gear.

<img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c7e6f496-5ca9-49ae-aa0a-f28700b07f53" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-6_0.jpg" />

The last flights plied in the end of March, after which the country was put under a strict lockdown to slow down the spread of COVID-19. However, this rendered many unable to go back to their homes, just like the young boy.

Many states were reluctant to reopen airports, especially in light of the record-breaking new cases everyday across the country, especially in the hard hit states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Delhi.

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Karnataka:Passengers leave from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, as two flights have landed till now at the airport. A mother who came to receive her son says,"My 5-yr-old son Vihaan Sharma has travelled alone from Delhi,he has come back to Bengaluru after 3 months" <a href="https://t.co/oAOsLCi7v9">pic.twitter.com/oAOsLCi7v9</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1264780604958097409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that the flights restarted operating after a long of “hard negotiations” owing to disagreements from many states that feared a rise in the number of infections.

International flights could start plying as early as June, depending on the global condition of coronavirus.

However, people are required to follow strict protocols that include wearing protective gear to maintaining social distance to prevent cross-transmission of the virus.

"Today morning onwards, processes have been working very well. All processes have been made contactless. We are screening all passengers. All the surfaces are being sanitised every 20-30 minutes",&nbsp;Hari Marar, Managing Director &amp; CEO, Bangalore International Airport Ltd told ANI.

A five-year-old boy travelled alone from Delhi to meet his mother in Bengaluru after three months. A few domestic flight routes started plying across the country, and Vihaan Sharma was one of these fights.

A five-year-old boy travelled alone from Delhi to meet his mother in Bengaluru after three months. A few domestic flight routes started plying across the country, and Vihaan Sharma was one of these fights. Bearing a “special category” ticket, the boy met his mother after three months at the Kempegowda International Airport, ANI reported. Flights resumed operation today after two months owing to the lockdown induced by the COVID-19 pandemic which continues to wreak havoc across the country. "My five-year-old son Vihaan has travelled alone from Delhi, he has come back to Bengaluru after three months," his mother told ANI, holding Vihaan, donning protective gear. The last flights plied in the end of March, after which the country was put under a strict lockdown to slow down the spread of COVID-19. However, this rendered many unable to go back to their homes, just like the young boy. Many states were reluctant to reopen airports, especially in light of the record-breaking new cases everyday across the country, especially in the hard hit states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Delhi. Karnataka:Passengers leave from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, as two flights have landed till now at the airport. A mother who came to receive her son says,"My 5-yr-old son Vihaan Sharma has travelled alone from Delhi,he has come back to Bengaluru after 3 months" pic.twitter.com/oAOsLCi7v9 — ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2020 × The Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that the flights restarted operating after a long of “hard negotiations” owing to disagreements from many states that feared a rise in the number of infections. International flights could start plying as early as June, depending on the global condition of coronavirus. However, people are required to follow strict protocols that include wearing protective gear to maintaining social distance to prevent cross-transmission of the virus. "Today morning onwards, processes have been working very well. All processes have been made contactless. We are screening all passengers. All the surfaces are being sanitised every 20-30 minutes", Hari Marar, Managing Director & CEO, Bangalore International Airport Ltd told ANI.

As flights restart operation, 5 year-old-boy flies alone to meet his mother after three months

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