Daily roundup 30 June: Junk food, social media, and emissions

New rules banning junk food advertising across media targeting children are coming into effect. ITV News reports that highly fatty, sugary and salty foods will no longer be advertised across non-broadcast media targeting under-16s as of Saturday. The new regulations are part of a drive to tackle rising levels of childhood obesity in the UK.


Engagement in social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook can build up children's resilience and have a beneficial impact on mental wellbeing, a study has suggested. The Independent reports that researchers analysing evidence from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development data, the NSPCC and other independent studies into the effects of technology on young people, found using social media helped children to develop their social skills, collaborate better with peers, and access help and emotional support more easily.


Parents should be banned from leaving the car running while waiting outside school gates to cut air pollution, according to official health guidance. The BBC reports that the guidance also calls for councils to set up clean-air zones that could ban the most polluting vehicles or introduce charges.


A boy was put in isolation at his school for having his hair cut too short, it has been claimed. The BBC reports that Damon Steel, 15, was told his short back and sides cut must grow back before he could return to classes at his school in West Walton, Norfolk.