Children, family and education issues in the news including – Paedophiles ‘groom’ children for sex online in just eight minutes; Middle class children ‘are held back by childcare’; Vote on grammar school expansion; Fewer places in most universitiesPaedophiles ‘groom’ children for sex online in just eight minutes
Independent.ie – Paedophiles can “groom” children for sex through the internet in as little as eight minutes, a study has concluded. In a new warning for parents, criminologists discovered that online predators are exploiting an array of techniques to “break the ice” with children aged as young as 12. The Middlesex University, London, study found that within less than three minutes of web-based chatting, sex offenders “cut to the chase” and turn the conversation to sexual-related topics. The four-year study, published on Wednesday, found that just five minutes later a bond was formed with the child as predators maintain a calm and innocent atmosphere.
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/paedophiles-groom-children-for-sex-online-in-just-eight-minutes-3065100.html
Middle class children ‘are held back by childcare’
Mail – Middle class children are adversely affected by time spent in childcare, a study claims. They suffer ‘significant declines’ in their development, health and standards of behaviour, researchers found. The poorest youngsters benefit from being in nurseries or with childminders, and wealthy parents can afford the highest quality childcare.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2121342/Middle-class-children-held-childcare-suffer-significant-declines-development.html?ITO=google_news_rss_feed&google_editors_picks=true
Vote on grammar school expansion
Kent County Council is to vote on a grammar school’s plan to open a new site – the first potential expansion of a grammar in England for 50 years.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-17534910
Duddle wins children’s book prize
BBC – Jonny Duddle, the concept artist for Aardman film The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists, is named overall winner of the prestigious Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17534970
Fewer places in most universities
BBC – Most universities in England are going to have fewer places to offer students this year, as the funding changes in higher education are implemented.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-17537558