Daily roundup 1 November: Social media, SEN transport, and air pollution

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is meeting social media giants, including Facebook and Twitter, to challenge them on cyberbullying. The BBC reports that in tweets ahead of the discussions, he says some responsibility for rising rates of youth self-harm lies with social platforms. He says the industry must be "part of the solution" regarding young people's mental health. 


Parents of children with special educational needs or disabilities in Salford may be asked to pay towards the cost of transporting their children to nursery or college in future. Under proposals put forward by Salford City Council, Salford parents or carers could be asked to contribute to the cost of transport to nursery and post-16 provision if their children have education, health and care plans. Transport for school-age children is not affected by the proposals.


Guidance warning school staff and pupils about the dangers of air pollution has been published. The National Education Union has joined forces with the British Lung Foundation to offer practical advice to protect young children who are most at risk.


More than 100 children were put in isolation after wearing the wrong shoes to school. The Metro reports that children were taken out of lessons at Hart School in Rugeley, Staffordshire on Monday after the half-term break and sent to the school gym to work because they turned up in Converse. Twenty out of the 120 pupils punished were taken home by their parents.


Almost a third (29 per cent) of UK adults are concerned they will need to go without gas or electricity for a period of time this winter in order to reduce the cost of their utility bills. Research conducted by YouGov for npower found the problem is most severe for families with young children and the elderly. Of those who said they were concerned they would have to reduce their energy use, 36 per cent of households with children said they would have fewer hot showers and baths each week.