Parler returns after month long gap 

  • Controversial social-media app Parler has come back online after more than a month without service 
  • The Twitter-like app was a favourite among supporters of former US President Donald Trump and right-wing conservatives 
  • It was banned from Google and Apple’s app stores and Amazon’s web-hosting service after a mob broke into the US Capitol building on the 6 January
  • Now, the self-styled free-speech platform says it is “here to stay” 
  • The app was not available for all users immediately, however 
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    Selfharm among children doubles in 6 years 

      • The rate of self-harm among young children in the UK has doubled over the last six years, according to a new analysis 
      • The number of children aged nine to 12 admitted to hospital having hurt themselves intentionally rose from 221 in 2013-14 to 508 in 2019-20, data analysed for BBC Radio 4’s File on 4 programme has found 
      • This means an average of 10 hospital admissions every week. With population changes taken into account, the rate has doubled over the past six years 
      • The finding comes as experts say the Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on young people’s mental health 
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        Safety experts issue warning over TikTok waxing videos  

        • Viral videos of people having full-face “hot wax” treatments on TikTok have led to warnings from skin experts
        • They show softened resin covering subjects’ face, mouth and neck – and partially penetrating their ears and nose – before being removed 
        • A barber posting some of the most-watched examples says it is beneficial 
        • But the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) said: “Attempting to wax inside your nose or ears is not recommended.” 
        • A UK-based skin specialist has also raised safety concerns about the risk of obstructed breathing and one expert has suggested TikTok should add a warning. 
        • TikTok claims that these videos do not conflict with community guidelines on dangerous behaviour because they show skilled professionals 
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            Sturgeon to consider plans for phased return to Scottish schools 

            • Nicola Sturgeon is to announce whether some pupils will start to return to Scottish classrooms from next week in a statement at Holyrood. 
            • This could include children aged four to seven and secondary pupils required to carry out practical assignments. 
            • The First Minister has said she was “very keen” to begin the phased return of younger pupils to schools. 
            • However, she warned this would not mark the start of a broader easing of the Covid-19 restrictions 
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