Greece plans to ban social media use for anyone under 15 starting in 2027, requiring platforms to verify ages and face penalties under the EU Digital Services Act; parents would use a state-backed 'Kids Wallet' app to block access, a move backed by adults and aiming to spur EU-wide action.
A Columbia University study of 3,195 children aged 6–11 found that those who played video games more than five hours per week had higher odds of strong intellectual functioning (1.75x) and greater overall school competence (1.88x) after adjusting for demographics. They were also more socially integrated with peers and had fewer relationship problems, with no significant increase in mental health issues. Experts caution against overinterpreting the findings and emphasize moderating screen time, but the study suggests gaming may confer cognitive and social benefits that merit further investigation.
A study of 504 children from Frontiers in Psychology identifies a seven-factor Play Qualities Inventory, highlighting the elusive “play feeling” as the strongest predictor of good play. It shows that people often value play through an adult lens, but the best experiences frequently involve transgression and a lack of adult interference; forcing alignment can ruin the moment. The findings suggest educators and parents should step back and support children’s own play choices, recognizing that what feels “totally perfect” to one child may differ for another or across cultures.
Mohamed Salah’s announcement that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season prompts emotional reactions from young fans who have met him, including Isaac (who has Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome) and Paisley, highlighting his impact beyond goals as families recall moments at Kirkby and look ahead to his final home game after nine years and 255 goals for the club.
HRANA’s Day 23 briefing on the Iran conflict reports 206 attacks across 112 incidents in 15 provinces, with at least 4 casualties in the last 24 hours. Since Feb 28, civilian fatalities total 1,407 (including at least 214 children), military fatalities 1,167, and 657 unclassified, with children making up about 15% of total casualties. Tehran Province accounts for the largest share of attacks (39%), followed by Hormozgan (19%) and Isfahan (10%), as 21 targets—including airbases and naval bases—were hit or damaged. Official statements cite around 210 killed among children and over 1,510 injured, with damage to medical facilities and other critical infrastructure; the situation remains fluid and subject to revision as new information emerges.
Lawyers say detained immigrant children at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, continue to face troubling conditions and safety concerns, highlighting ongoing issues amid protests and scrutiny.
The FDA announced a recall of about 89,592 bottles of Strides Pharma’s Children’s Ibuprofen Oral Suspension sold in the U.S. after reports of a gel-like mass and black particles. The Class II recall affects lot numbers 7261973A and 7261974A with an expiration date of Jan. 31, 2027, manufactured for Taro Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. and distributed nationwide. No serious adverse health effects have been reported, but consumers should stop using the recalled product immediately.
The FDA has issued a recall for a children’s ibuprofen product from Taro Pharmaceuticals, urging consumers to check for affected lots and stop use if they have the product, with guidance on refunds or replacements.
A new study suggests common 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) may reduce bone mineral density in kids, especially in the forearm. In 218 children followed from birth, researchers measured PFAS levels at birth and ages 3, 8, and 12, finding higher PFAS exposure generally associated with lower bone density at age 12. Timing mattered for different PFAS compounds, with some exposures at age 3 linked to higher bone density later, while recent exposure near preteen years linked to weaker bones. The mechanisms may involve endocrine disruption or PFAS accumulating in bone; long-term effects like fractures or osteoporosis remain uncertain. Practical steps to reduce exposure include water filtration and avoiding PFAS-heavy consumer products.
The UN Independent Commission finds Russia forcibly deported thousands of Ukrainian children from occupied areas, labeling the acts as crimes against humanity and war crimes, with most not yet returned and many traumatized; Putin is cited as directly involved and an ICC arrest warrant has been issued.
A Cleveland mother of two has been charged with murder after the bodies of two half-sisters were found buried in suitcases on the city’s east side. Authorities have identified Mila Chatman and Amor Wilson as the victims, and the investigation continues as relatives mourn the deaths and gather details about the case.
Authorities in Cleveland arrested a 28-year-old woman after two young girls—believed to be between 8 and 14 and later identified as half-siblings—were found dead in suitcases on East 162nd Street and Midland Avenue. A person of interest was detained within 48 hours as detectives gathered evidence; a child found at the residence was reported safe, and the Department of Children and Family Services took custody of that child while the investigation continues.
First Lady Melania Trump chaired a UN Security Council session on Children, Technology and Education in Conflict, urging member states to safeguard education for all children and to use AI to expand access, while not addressing the reported Iranian school airstrike amid ongoing US-Israeli strikes and strained UN relations.