All articles tagged with #kids
Google has invested $1 million in Animaj, an AI-focused animation studio for kids—the first direct funding from YouTube to a kids’ studio—and is bringing Animaj into its DeepMind program with early access to Veo. The move signals Google's push to embrace AI-generated content on YouTube, despite ongoing concerns over safety, IP, and the flood of AI-generated videos, often labeled as AI slop.
Nintendo released Hello, Mario—a small, interactive app available on Android, iOS, Switch, and Switch 2—that lets players poke and stretch Mario’s face for humorous reactions; after about 12 minutes the plumber goes to sleep, a feature Nintendo says helps curb screen time. The project is part of the My Mario line aimed at young children, with collaborations from partners like Fisher-Price and TOMY, prompting discussion about branding IP to kids early.
A short video shows Louis, the neighborhood’s gentle Golden Retriever, greeting kids through a gate, letting them pet him through the bars, and then lying down to make the meet-and-greet easier—earning him widespread affection and the title of the area’s beloved pup.
On a SmartLess episode, Jason Bateman awkwardly pressed Charli XCX about having kids; she said she doesn’t think she wants any and is married to George Daniel, a moment that drew cringe reactions online and sparked discussion about women’s choices regarding motherhood.
TikTok has agreed to settle the first major product-liability case accusing social platforms of addicting children, with jury selection underway in Los Angeles; Snap also settled with the same plaintiff, while Meta and YouTube still face hundreds of similar claims. The bellwether trial could determine whether platforms can be held responsible for harms alleged to flow from feeds, amid ongoing debates about First Amendment and Section 230 protections and rising scrutiny of social media’s impact on youth.
Patrick and Brittany Mahomes' children had a playful fall on the treadmill during a Christmas Eve workout, but all were unharmed and quickly bounced back. Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes is recovering from ACL surgery after a season-ending injury, but remains positive and generous, gifting his teammates high-end items for Christmas.
This year’s flu season has started early and is particularly severe among children, with hospitals overwhelmed in states like Colorado and Michigan. The CDC reports increased flu activity, and demand for antiviral medication Tamiflu is rising, though it is most effective when administered early and mainly for high-risk groups. Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination and staying home when sick to prevent spread, especially during the holiday season.
A report reveals that many children are engaging with AI companion apps in disturbing ways, including violent and sexual roleplays, with some interactions peaking at young ages like 11 and 13. The unregulated AI market poses risks, and experts warn about the potential long-term impacts on young users' understanding of social interactions and safety.
Stellan Skarsgård revealed that his 13-year-old son is bullied at school and called a 'nepo baby' due to his father's fame, which makes him feel isolated. The actor criticizes the term as unfair and ignorant, highlighting that success depends on talent and hard work, not just family connections. Other celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, and Jamie Lee Curtis have also spoken out against the negative connotations of 'nepo babies,' emphasizing that fame and talent are not mutually exclusive.
The '6-7' meme, a nonsensical phrase popular among kids, serves as a social bonding tool and a symbol of belonging, despite its lack of meaning. It originated from viral songs and gestures, and while teachers try to curb its use, it persists as a form of playful resistance and group identity. The phenomenon highlights how youth language evolves and functions within social groups, even if it frustrates adults.
The phrase '6-7' has become a popular, meaningless catchphrase among kids and teens, originating from a rapper's song and gaining momentum through social media, often disrupting classrooms and creating a playful secret code that reflects a desire for fun amidst societal pressures.
Spotify has launched 'managed accounts' for family plans, allowing parents to create kid-friendly profiles with filtered content, personalized recommendations, and limited features to protect their music taste profiles and prevent kids from influencing their personalized playlists.
George Clooney prefers raising his children in France over Los Angeles, citing a better quality of life, less paparazzi, and a more normal upbringing away from Hollywood's culture.
The FTC has ordered major AI chatbot developers, including Google, OpenAI, and Meta, to provide information on how their technologies impact children, amid concerns over safety and misuse, especially related to mental health and harmful content. The agency aims to study how these companies monitor and restrict chatbot use by minors, as scrutiny over AI safety intensifies following lawsuits and reports of harmful interactions involving teens. The investigation is part of broader efforts to regulate AI and protect young users.
The article discusses the widespread issue of social media addiction among children and the lack of consensus on how to address it, highlighting concerns about its impact on mental health and development.