Daily roundup 3 September: Migrant children, sexting, and data

The increase in unaccompanied children seeking asylum in the UK is leaving social services struggling to cope. The Mirror reports that the number of asylum-seeking children under Kent County Council's care has increased from 630 at the start of August to the current figure of 720.


A boy who sent a naked photograph of himself to a girl at school has had the crime of making and distributing indecent images recorded against him by police. The BBC reports that although the 14-year-old was not formally arrested or charged, he could have his details stored for at least 10 years.


Unacceptable amounts of personal data are being gathered by websites and apps aimed at children, the Information Commissioner’s Office has warned. The BBC reports the data protection agency took part in an international investigation into almost 1,500 websites popular with young people, with one in five asking for pictures or phone numbers.


Children under the age of 10 should not be allowed a smartphone, according to a survey. The Telegraph reports that 85 per cent of parents of children under the age of 11 want there to be a minimum age requirement for smartphones. 


A free NHS-backed mobile app has motivated 88 per cent of children to take better care of their dental health, researchers have found. The Mirror reports that “Brush DJ” plays music for two minutes, which is the optimum time for brushing teeth, and also sets reminders and alerts for dental appointments.


Council chiefs in Torfaen have agreed to spend £423,000 to implement a series of measures to reduce the number of looked-after children. The South Wales Argus reports the move is expected to reduce the number of looked-after children by 42, while also avoiding four out-of-county placements.