Spotlight on Safeguarding
Edition 6 - June
Algorithms: Understanding Their Role in Social Media
Algorithms play a crucial role in organising content, ranking search outcomes and displaying advertisements on the internet, especially on social media. They are primarily used to arrange content in a user's feed. Given the vast amount of content accessible, social platforms use algorithms to prioritise content they believe will appeal to a user, based on what they have liked, commented on, watched and shared.
Algorithms can have negative impacts on young individuals. They operate on the assumption that any interaction with content indicates a desire for similar information. Consequently, if a young person views inappropriate material, they may receive more of such content. Over time, this content may escalate in inappropriateness, potentially exposing children to extremely harmful material.
Edibles: What are they and what are the risks for young people?
Edibles refer to food items infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a mood-altering ingredient derived from cannabis. These products come in various forms such as cakes, sweets, chocolate, soft drinks and syrups. Unlike traditional cannabis, edibles do not have a distinct smell, making it challenging to detect their THC content. Furthermore, they may contain other illicit substances. The packaging of these products is often appealing to young individuals, with some being marketed as 'gummies' to attract children.
Effects of edibles: Consumption of THC through edibles can lead to altered perception, dizziness, slurred speech, heart palpitations, nausea and vomiting. Regular users of edibles may also face challenges like poor concentration and depression, among other symptoms, which can adversely affect mental health. Availability of edibles to young people: Edibles can be conveniently purchased online and delivered to a specified address. Some drug dealers have started promoting these products on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.
App Focus: Reddit
Age restriction :13
Reddit serves as a platform where users can engage with like-minded individuals within various communities. It acts as a social news site for discussing current events, accessible both as a website and an app. Risks linked to Reddit: Users have the ability to form 'subreddits' focused on diverse interests, yet adults with unknown intentions can create communities that might appeal to young users. User-generated content could expose children to potential grooming risks. Due to minimal moderation on Reddit, there is a prevalence of inappropriate content.
Tips for ensuring your child's safety on Reddit: Wait until your child is 13 years old before allowing them to use Reddit and ensure they provide their real age on their profile. Assist them in selecting suitable subreddits to follow and verify their appropriateness. Familiarise yourself with Reddit's functionality to assist and guide your child effectively. Adjust the message privacy setting to 'Whitelisted' to restrict messaging to approved contacts only. Turn off adult content in the feed settings for added protection
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