TikTok becoming most popular news source for younger users

  • Research from the Reuters Institute and the University of Oxford has found an increasing proportion of TikTok’s users are turning to the platform for news content.
  • 15% of users between the age of 15 and 24 go to the platform for their daily news.
  • Concerningly, 36% of TikTok users said they get their news from influencers, this is higher than those who get their news from Twitter at 18% and Facebook at 14%.
  • This leaves young people at risk of being exposed to misinformation and fake news.
  • For more, go to the Digital Information World’s website.

Relationships and sex education is falling short of what young people need

  • New research by UK-wide charity, SafeLives has found that only half of young people feel that Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) classes give them good knowledge and understanding of both toxic and healthy relationships.
  • Only 46% of students feel confident in knowing who to talk to if they or someone they know is suffering abuse.
  • The research also showed 27% of boys search online for information about sex and relationships and 22% of boys look for information through pornography.
  • Overall, students want more relevant examples, more open discussions and more regular classes.
  • For more information, please visit the SafeLives website.

Colleges and sixth forms to bear brunt of funding squeeze

  • A new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies has warned that rising costs as a result of inflation have left colleges and sixth forms in a “difficult position”.
  • It is expected they will face a challenging few years after being left out of funding increases announced by the Chancellor last month.
  • The IFS report also revealed that the pupil population is expected to decline by 700,000 between 2024 and 2030.
  • Visit the Independent’s website to learn more.