Children’s Child Privacy Compliance

UK Watchdog Targets Social Media for Children's Privacy Violations

The UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is intensifying its scrutiny of 11 social media and video-sharing platforms for failing to protect children's privacy. Following a review of 34 platforms, the ICO identified significant deficiencies in default privacy settings, geolocation data, and age verification measures. Deputy Commissioner Emily Keaney emphasised the importance of prioritising children's privacy and warned of strict enforcement against non-compliant companies.

The ICO is also investigating targeted advertising practices and has launched a call for evidence to understand how children's personal information is used in recommender systems and age assurance technologies. The findings will guide future regulatory actions. This move follows a significant fine imposed on TikTok last year for data protection breaches involving children.

New Council for Children in Care and Care Leavers

New Council Proposed to Support Jersey Care Leavers 

A report by the Jersey Care Commission recommends establishing a Children in Care and Care Leavers Council to address the needs of young people leaving care. This council aims to give these individuals a platform to voice their concerns and influence necessary changes. Constable Richard Vibert emphasises the need to overcome legal barriers and improve communication within children's services.

The report also highlights enhanced collaboration between children's services and the police to support vulnerable children who frequently run away. This partnership focuses on preventing exploitation and ensuring the safety of these children, with staff from children's services actively participating in locating and assisting them, even outside office hours.

Overspending on Children’s Services

Blackpool Council Overspends on Children's Services by £6.6m

Blackpool Council overspent by £6.6m on children's services in the 2023/24 financial year, despite a reduction in the number of children in care. The overspend is attributed to an 8% rise in residential placement costs. Overall, the council's total overspend was about £8m, but it managed to stay within the £172m budget due to better financial performance in other areas and an additional £4m in council tax revenue.

The number of children in care dropped from 651 in 2022 to 529 in 2024. However, the increase in residential placements has strained the budget. Efforts to reduce costs include moving children to more suitable settings and relying less on agency staff for social workers.

Halted Advanced British Standard Initiative

Government Halts ABS and Denies Pay Parity for Educators 

The government has halted the Advanced British Standard (ABS) initiative, initially launched during T Level celebration week, deeming it unfeasible. This decision has raised concerns about wasted efforts and resources. Additionally, a significant pay disparity persists between educators in Further Education (FE) and schoolteachers, with the latter receiving a 5.5% pay rise, exacerbating recruitment and retention issues in the FE sector.

The Association of Colleges (AoC) has highlighted a £10,000 pay gap, which is likely to widen, making it challenging to attract and retain skilled educators. This disparity is even more pronounced for Independent Training Providers, who struggle to match pay rates. The sector faces a potential crisis, necessitating urgent attention to professional development and pay parity to ensure the sustainability of high-quality technical courses.

AI in Early Childhood Education

The Role of AI in Early Childhood Education: Benefits and Concerns 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to transform early childhood education by 2030, with technologies like smart toys and AI assistants becoming common. Experts stress the need for children to develop human skills such as problem-solving and emotional intelligence, as AI lacks ethical decision-making and social-emotional capabilities. Privacy concerns and the potential for AI to produce incorrect information are significant issues.

AI can assist in administrative tasks and generate lesson plans, but human expertise remains crucial. Regulatory bodies like the Council of Europe and the EU are working on protecting human rights in AI use. While AI offers benefits, it should not replace human interaction, which is essential for child development. Balancing AI integration with human oversight is vital for enhancing the learning experience.

SEND System Overhaul

Special Educational Needs System in England Requires Urgent Overhaul, Says Ombudsman 

The special educational needs (Send) system in England is in disarray, requiring a complete overhaul, according to local government ombudsman Amerdeep Somal. Insufficient funding and overwhelmed social workers are failing children and families, leading to significant educational delays. Somal's insights, drawn from her experience as a tribunal judge, highlight the systemic failures and urgent need for reform.

Complaints about Send services dominate the local government ombudsman's casework, with a 92% fault rate in investigated cases. Somal calls for a comprehensive review of the 2014 legislation and adequate resources to support children effectively. The crisis, ten years in the making, demands immediate government action to prevent long-term negative impacts on children's lives and local authorities' financial stability.