Daily roundup 2 April: Cyberbullying, violent videos, and children's health

Teachers are facing abuse on social media from both pupils and parents, according to teachers’ union NASUWT. BBC News reports that pupils have been using offensive comments about appearance as well as homophobic, sexist and racist remarks, while some parents have also been abusive.


Children being exposed to violent videos tops the list of concerns for parents, according to a report by Ofcom. The Daily Mail reports that nearly 20 per cent of parents are worried about what their children may be watching, with violent videos being more of a concern than pornography and bad language. Experts believe levels of concern have risen because of an increased use in smartphones and tablets.


Nearly 70 per cent of British people want political parties to pledge to improve the long-term dietary health of children. Research commissioned by the Averting a Recipe for Disaster campaign also found that nearly 75 per cent of teachers reported that children in their class had gone without breakfast and lunch.


A severely disabled boy was made to sleep on a hospital floor for seven nights because a suitable bed was not available. The Times reports that Cody Neatis, an eight-year-old boy with Down’s syndrome, epilepsy, and autism has been sleeping on a mattress on the floor of Royal Preston Hospital since last Thursday after getting a chest infection. Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation has said the hospital is awaiting a specialist bed from America, adding that Cody’s family “declined” other alternatives.


Lincolnshire County Council has announced that it will continue to provide holiday clubs, youth groups and community group activities for children and young people with complex and special needs. Fears that services would change once a contract with Action for Children expires in September had previously led to a petition being set up by parents. The Lincolnite reports that parents, children and carers that use the service are now being asked to shape a new contract.


An app for mobile phones and tablets that aims to improve sleep for children has been launched by doctors at London’s Evelina Children’s Hospital. Known as “Kids Sleep Dr”, the app will aim to provide parents with advice based on their children’s sleeping patterns, BBC News reports.