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Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is reviewing smartphone bans in UK schools amid rising concerns over social media's impact on teenagers. The review aims to assess the effectiveness of current policies and explore enforcement challenges, following criticism that existing guidance is not being adequately implemented. This comes as calls for stricter regulations grow.
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Recent reports reveal a significant rise in school absenteeism in England, with over 170,000 children missing half their classes. Factors include mental health issues, poverty, and the impact of the Covid pandemic. Parents and educators are calling for urgent government action to address these challenges and support affected families.
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A UK youth committee has rejected a social media ban for teenagers, advocating instead for stronger regulations on platforms to combat youth violence. They emphasize the need for accountability from tech companies and suggest involving young people in policymaking.
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The University of Sussex is contesting a £585,000 fine imposed by the Office for Students (OfS) for failing to uphold freedom of speech. The fine stems from an investigation into the resignation of Professor Kathleen Stock, who faced harassment over her views on gender identity. Sussex plans to appeal the ruling.
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Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasizes the need for more male teachers to combat toxic influences on boys, citing the Netflix series 'Adolescence' as a catalyst for discussion. She highlights the alarming lack of male educators in schools and the importance of positive role models for young boys amid rising online toxicity.
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As the US prepares to impose tariffs on UK imports, Prime Minister Keir Starmer reassures businesses of a calm response. The UK government is negotiating concessions, including potential changes to its digital services tax, to mitigate economic fallout. The situation remains fluid as trade talks continue amid rising tensions.
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The UK government is launching a new initiative to expand nursery places, funding 300 schools to create additional spaces. This effort aims to improve early years education and address concerns about children's readiness for school, particularly among those born during the pandemic. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to support working parents and enhance children's development.
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Recent reports highlight alarming trends in screen time among students in Hong Kong and England. Over 60% of Hong Kong students exceed recommended screen limits, while girls in England report feeling less safe and engaged in school post-pandemic. These issues raise concerns about health and educational outcomes.
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A national survey reveals that nearly all schools in England have implemented bans on mobile phone use during school hours. The National Education Union's leader advocates for a statutory ban, citing concerns over online harm and its impact on students' wellbeing. The debate on mobile phone regulations intensifies as the NEU prepares for its annual conference.
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Two major teaching unions in England, the NASUWT and NEU, are poised to strike if the government fails to fully fund next year's teachers' pay award. Both unions have rejected the government's proposed 2.8% pay rise, deeming it inadequate and unfunded, which could lead to significant school closures in the autumn.
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Starting today, 750 primary schools in the UK will offer free breakfasts to students, a key initiative from Labour's election manifesto. This program aims to support families and improve children's readiness for school, addressing concerns about child nutrition and academic performance.
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In a significant shift, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that a woman is an 'adult female' following the Supreme Court's ruling on transgender rights. This marks a departure from his previous stance that included trans women as women. The ruling has sparked protests and discussions on single-sex spaces.
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Keir Starmer urged MPs to lower tensions following the Supreme Court ruling that defines 'woman' in the Equality Act as a biological woman. The ruling has sparked debates on the implications for transgender rights, particularly regarding access to single-sex spaces. Starmer emphasized the need for respectful dialogue amidst political challenges.
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Two Edinburgh schools will enforce a mobile phone ban, requiring students to store devices in lockable pouches. This initiative aims to enhance focus and mental well-being among students. The policy follows a broader discussion in Parliament regarding children's welfare and the impact of technology in schools.
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Children's Commissioners in the UK are advocating for a complete ban on smacking, citing the need for equal protection for children against physical punishment. This follows the tragic case of Sara Sharif, whose murder has reignited discussions on child welfare and legislative reform. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill is set for debate today.
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The UK government is set to unveil a new immigration white paper that will impose stricter regulations on student visas, particularly for applicants from Pakistan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka. These measures aim to reduce asylum claims and will also include changes to settlement rights for long-term residents. The proposals are a response to rising net migration figures.
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Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has indicated that the Labour government may end the two-child benefit limit, aiming to reduce child poverty. This comes amid ongoing discussions about special educational needs support and mental health initiatives in schools, with critics warning of funding cuts impacting vulnerable children.
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The UK government is investing £3 billion to create 120,000 new training opportunities in key sectors, funded by a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge. This initiative aims to enhance domestic skills and reduce reliance on foreign workers, particularly for young people entering the workforce.
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Labour's Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson confirmed that scrapping the controversial two-child benefit limit is under consideration. This policy, introduced in 2017, has been criticized for increasing child poverty. The government plans to align its child poverty strategy with the upcoming Budget, raising hopes for potential reforms.
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The UK government has announced a £1.2 billion funding package to address urgent repairs in hospitals and schools. This includes £750 million for over 400 NHS facilities and £470 million for 656 schools, aimed at tackling maintenance backlogs and improving safety and conditions for patients and students. The funding is seen as a necessary step but insufficient to cover the total repair costs.
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Labour leaders are under increasing pressure to lift the two-child benefit cap, a policy linked to rising child poverty. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering all options to address this issue, especially as the party prepares its delayed child poverty strategy for autumn. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has also pledged to abolish the cap.
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The UK government plans to expand free school meals eligibility to all children in households receiving Universal Credit starting September 2026. This initiative aims to support over 500,000 children and alleviate child hunger amid rising living costs. The Education Policy Institute calls for a national auto-enrolment system to ensure all eligible families are registered.
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The UK government is exploring measures to limit children's social media use, including a proposed two-hour cap per app and curfews restricting access after 10 PM. This initiative aims to combat rising concerns over children's mental health and excessive screen time.