"Excessive texting among teens - dubbed "hyper-texting" and defined as sending more than 120 messages per school day - is linked to a higher occurrence of smoking, drinking, fighting and sexual relationships," revealed the Daily Mail, reporting on a US study. Researchers who surveyed more than 4,200 young people found about one in five were hyper-texters.
"While researchers say they aren't suggesting that hyper-texting leads to sex, drinking or drugs, the study concludes that a significant number of teens are very susceptible to peer pressure and also have permissive or absent parents," said the paper.
Just days before, the Mail reported that texting and social networking after bedtime can make teenagers "even moodier", after another US study found those unable to put their phones or laptops to one side were more likely to be anxious and depressed. Someone should warn HRH The Queen, who has just launched a Facebook page. Staying up late to count how many people "like" you, could be bad for your health, Ma'am.
Local newspaper the Bromley News Shopper reported on a campaign by residents to stop a house in their street being turned into a nursery.
"Around 30 people living nearby have written to the council and started a petition to oppose the application by Sunnyfields, which already runs two nurseries in the borough," reported the paper. One objector, a mum-of-two, explained: "We think there will be traffic problems because of all the parents dropping off and picking up their children. We think there will be noise problems because the children will be playing outdoors." If you think that sounds overly negative, wait for this: "We are also worried that paedophiles will be attracted to the area to be close to the nursery," the mum continued.
On that basis we may as well shut all schools and playgrounds and be done with it. Surely the News Shopper would take a sensible line and play down such nonsensical fears? Alas, no. The paper's front page headline was: "Will nursery attract paedos?" which earned it a coveted slot on the Tabloid Watch blog devoted to highlighting "bad journalism".
A one-year-old boy received a letter from his GP advising him not to waste NHS resources, reported Metro.
Morgan Bell was treated for severe tonsillitis at Hull Royal Infirmary's accident and emergency ward in January. When he began suffering similar symptoms in May, his parents took him to the same place. "But the second trip prompted the letter reminding him to be 'more resourceful of NHS resources'," said Metro. His mum was indignant. "It's a shameful thing to send out to parents who worry constantly about their children," she said. NHS Hull said the letter should not have been addressed to Morgan.
Is sending letters to babies "resourceful"?
