Daily Safeguarding Update

Every Twitter web user can use ‘soft block’ feature

Twitter is rolling out a new feature that lets any user on the web remove a follower without blocking them, also known as a “soft block.”
This feature was announced as being ‘in testing’ last month but is now available to every Twitter web user.
To ‘soft block’ someone, users click on the three-dot menu button next to a follower’s name and select ‘Remove this follower’.
The ‘soft block’ feature gives Twitter users more control and aims to help curb abuse and harassment.
This follows Twitter’s announcement of a ‘Safety Mode’ that temporarily blocks abusive accounts, although this is still in the testing phase.
Full story, here.

Parents have revealed their daughters’ experiences on Instagram with eating disorder material on the platform.
As the months progressed on social media, girls fell into pro-diet, pro-exercise, and pro-eating disorder hashtags, which helped trigger the onset of eating disorders.
This follows the testimony of Facebook whistle-blower, Frances Haugen who revealed Instagram’s impact on girls’ mental health.
Parents highlighted the impact of influencers’ edited photos and Instagram’s algorithm.
The algorithm is designed to recommend content similar to what users have shared, viewed, or clicked on in the past – creating a feedback loop that some vulnerable teens cannot escape.
Parents and experts urge Facebook to do more to minimise exposure to such content and protect children.
Full story, here.

A Tes analysis revealed that as few as 3% of secondary students aged 12-15 have received COVID-19 vaccinations in parts of England.
Areas that were hit with the highest levels of educational disruption in the pandemic are among those with the lowest pupil vaccination uptake.
Across all local authority areas, an average of 11% of 12- to 15-year-olds have received the vaccination
In eight local authority areas, the vaccination figure is lower than 5%, while some areas have a rate of 30%.
The analysis shows that the government target to vaccinate all 12- to 15-year-olds by October half-term may be delivered.
School leaders are calling for urgent support to ensure vaccinations teams are adequately resourced to finish the national programme as soon as possible.
This follows news of anti-vaccination protests outside schools, letters threatening headteachers and the rising COVID-rates among students.
Full story, here.