New research has found that a third of 11 years regularly break the law online by accessing illegal file sharing sites

11 years old has been revealed as the pivotal age for parents to discuss responsible internet use with their children, as new research found that more than a quarter (28%) of children first start visiting illegal websites by this age.

A study of 1,000 11-16 year olds, carried out by youth research specialists Dubit on behalf of the music, film, TV and video industries, discovered:

• By age 11, one in five (21%) of children regularly access illegal music, film, TV and video file-sharing sites
• By age 12, over a quarter (28%) of children regularly access illegal music, film, TV and video file-sharing sites
• By age 13, almost half (42%) of children regularly access illegal music, film, TV and video file-sharing sites
• Almost three quarters (73%) of children are introduced to illegal file-sharing websites by their friends

While more than half (53%) of 11-16 year olds now access the internet unsupervised from their bedrooms, or while out an about on Smartphones and other internet enabled devices, parents may take heart in the fact that almost half of children say they would appreciate more information about safe and responsible internet use from their parents (40%) and teachers (51%).

Author of The Byron Review (2008) and child psychologist, Professor Tanya Byron is supporting internet safety charity, Childnet International, to help parents and teachers talk to teens about safe and responsible internet use.

Supporting Childnet’s Music, Film, TV and the Internet guide, they’ve penned a set of conversation starters for parents and teachers to begin discussing how to enjoy the internet responsibly with children and young people. The guide also provides information on the safety and security risks of downloading entertainment illegally or visiting illegal file sharing websites – such as being exposed to computer viruses, receiving offensive material or theft of personal and financial information.

Professor Byron spoke of her reasons for launching the campaign:

“The majority of parents will confidently tell their children that it is wrong to steal or shoplift in the real world, but it’s vital that they also help kids understand what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour online, and why it’s just as harmful.

“The new leaflet and our conversation starters provide parents with concise, up-to-date information and practical advice to start conversations about responsible internet use with their children. These will not only help parents address the issue of illegal film, TV and music file-sharing with their children, but will help them to discuss online responsibility together.”

Four tips from Tanya Byron and Childnet to help parents start conversations about responsible internet use with young people:

1. Download the Music, Film, TV and the Internet guide – find out how you can access and enjoy digital entertainment legally online and talk to your children about the consequences of illegal file-sharing or streaming sites. E.g. show them the ‘Staying safe and responsible’ section in Childnet’s guide and let them know you could face legal action if the household account is identified as being used for unlicensed file-sharing.

2. Agree a code of acceptable internet use – sit down with your children and agree an internet code of practice you’re all happy with. Discuss what your family’s online needs are and agree what online content is and isn’t acceptable to access or share. E.g. just as you wouldn’t share your house keys with a stranger, think about what content - including personal and financial information - you should share online.

3. Inhabit internet space together – normalise the right behaviour in the home for responsible internet use, in the same way you do offline by doing things as a family wherever possible. E.g. in the same way you might have a family meal together, or a trip to the cinema, is there something similar you can do together online – such as legally downloading or streaming a film or album to enjoy together.

4. Consider parental control software and security software – although parental control software doesn’t offer a total solution to protecting children and young people from illegal and age-restricted material online, it can help to limit the websites your children can access.

The tips can be found at www.childnet.com/downloading, along with the free downloadable guide - Music, Film, TV and the Internet.

Lucinda Fell, Director of Policy and Communications at Childnet International, said:

“We know that many parents are concerned about keeping up with what their children are doing online. We know from our work in schools that parents often tell us they are confused about what can and can't be done safely and legally online.

“The Music, Film, TV and the Internet guide gives parents and teachers some free practical information and advice about accessing entertainment online, and supports the concept of responsible digital citizenship – the idea of behaving as safely and responsibly online as you would offline."

Calling All Families - Put Your Best ‘Fancy’ Foot Forward & Help Save Lives

Join VSO’s First ‘In Her Shoes’ Charity Walk -

VSO is holding a series of fun walks across the UK called ‘In Her Shoes’ on Sunday 8th and 15th May and is urging mums and dads to sign up with their friends and family to help raise vital funds for its life saving maternal healthcare work in some of the world’s poorest countries. Everyone involved is being encouraged to go glitzy and decorate the walking shoes they’ll be wearing on the big day!


Emily Maitlis' shoes for VSO's In Her Shoes

 People across the country can follow the examples of; the queen of daytime TV Lorraine Kelly (with her ITV morning show ‘Lorraine’), highly accomplished BBC ‘Newsnight’ and ‘News’ presenter Emily Maitlis and famous comedy writer and actress Miranda Hart (known for her award-winning BBC 2 sitcom ‘Miranda’) in personalising footwear for VSO’s In Her Shoes. And the top fundraisers from across the country could win a number of fantastic prizes, including Lorraine’s autographed shoes and those personalised by Emily and Miranda!



Zoe Wanamaker's shoes for VSO's In Her Shoes

So come on! Put your best foot forward and join one of the walks scheduled to take place in Belfast, Cambridge (on 8th May), Cardiff, Cornwall, Kendal, London, Warwick and Worcester. They’re designed for all abilities and each walk will range from 1K to 16K, depending on the location. They’ll be really good fun social events which aim to raise crucial funds to help save the lives of mothers and their babies in developing countries – through VSO’s vital volunteering work in maternal healthcare.
In Her Shoes is also about increasing peoples’ awareness about the large number of women who tragically die every day in Africa and Asia from child birth or pregnancy related issues. According to the World Health Organization, a woman dies every minute in childbirth. Many of these deaths could be avoided if there was access to the right maternal healthcare.

Fundraising for In Her Shoes is imperative. It will help VSO to continue to send skilled volunteers such as doctors and midwives to share their knowledge, experience and train local staff in the healthcare profession to be able to carry out these critical roles, which could lead to more lives being saved in the long term. VSO volunteer doctors and midwives are also busy treating patients right now overseas, resulting in an immediate effort to save lives in the developing world.

Grace a 19-year-old woman from southern Malawi’s Mwanza District in Africa had tragically endured three miscarriages before she became pregnant again. Grace was just seven months expectant when she went into premature labour with her first, much longed for daughter.

After encountering an arduous two-hour walk to reach her nearest health centre – she thankfully gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Grace was absolutely ecstatic. This was the daughter she and her husband had wished for and she was named Chimwemwe (meaning ‘happiness’).

Being so premature her daughter was really tiny, weighing an alarming 3lbs. Because she was so small and fragile, Chimwemwe had trouble feeding and staying warm so Grace decided to take her back to hospital. This involved another long and tiring half-day walk for the new mother.

With no facilities for premature babies at the hospital, Grace was given a bed in the postnatal ward where she had to try to keep her vulnerable baby cosy. However this was a near impossible task without heaters or bedding and an outside temperature of just 10⁰C.

Struggling to maintain any body heat, Grace had no warmth to pass onto her daughter, as she clutched her close – holding on to her for dear life and fearing the worst would happen. Tragically, it did. Three days later Chimwemwe passed away. Grace had encountered the horrendous loss of her daughter because of cold conditions and inadequate facilities.

Many of the fragile babies born early in Mwanza die – particularly if they’re being transferred to the main regional hospital. So VSO volunteer Dr Marike Maijers has introduced ways of caring for the babies on site. She’s trained staff to provide ‘kangaroo care’, where mothers of premature babies keep them warm through skin contact.

In a dedicated, clean and heated room mothers press their tiny babies against their naked chests and wrap a traditional sarong around them both. This way, the mothers act as natural incubators. Dr Marike also fundraised in order to buy three much needed incubators for the unit, which have provided crucial support.

As a result, more local babies are now surviving, despite their small birth weights. It’s the kind of care Grace should have found waiting for her at the end of her long walk but regretfully didn’t.

Kangaroo care is just one of many ways VSO health volunteers are working in hospitals and communities to help mothers detect problems early enough and access medical care. They set up special maternal clinics and nurseries for sick babies and teach the next generation of midwives, obstetricians and nurses.

VSO’s fundraising development manager, Jane Quayle said: “The impact of our health volunteers’ work is significant but we urgently need more funds to maintain and strengthen the flow of volunteers to where they’re needed most. Even today in Malawi one woman in 18 still dies in childbirth; in Sierra Leone it’s one in eight. Every woman, regardless of where she lives in the world, should have access to good maternal health care. Your involvement in our walk could prevent future heartache for women like Grace.

“So why not round up your friends and family, sign up and get together for a really fun day out. And this includes the men too! You’ll all be out enjoying yourselves, being active and spending time with your nearest and dearest which will be really great and even better for those in the world’s poorest countries who’ll benefit from the money raised. Please join us and walk together for a great cause that could help save lives.”

VSO is aiming to raise around £40,000 in total from all its UK walks for its vital work in maternal healthcare.

For more information or to sign up for the walk visit www.inhershoes.org.uk. Registration for adults is £10 per person (this is non-refundable) and each walker needs to raise a minimum of £100. For more information on VSO visit http://www.vso.org.uk/.

Save the Children Libya Appeal

Save the Children launches £1million appeal for children affected by Libya crisis, as humanitarian situation deteriorates. 

Save the Children has launched a £1million appeal for children affected by ongoing unrest in Libya, as the humanitarian situation in the country continued to deteriorate.

The charity estimates that one million children are at risk because of violence and potential food shortages in the west of the country.

Esree is a ten year old girl from Egypt who usually lives with her family in Libya

Save the Children has emergency response teams in Eastern Libya, Egypt and on the Tunisian border, and is taking the first steps to meet the humanitarian needs of children caught up in the crisis.

Money raised by the appeal will be used in Eastern Libya for child protection activities and for support for essential services such as schools and hospitals. The funds will also be used to prepare for a wider humanitarian response in parts of the country currently beyond the reach of aid agencies due to the situation.

Of particular concern is situation in Western Libya, where government forces are continuing to vie with opposition for control of towns. More than a million children live in the area, and are at risk of being caught up in violence, being affected by potential shortages, and suffering trauma as a result of their experiences.

Children we have spoken to in Libya have been telling us how frightened they are of what could happen next, from running out of food to being orphaned by the violence,” Owen said. “It absolutely essential that we are ready to help as soon as we can reach them.”

Save the Children has an emergency response team in Eastern Libya assessing the needs of the population in opposition controlled areas, as well as emergency specialists on the Tunisian and Egyptian borders monitoring the needs of refugees as they cross. To donate to our work in Libya call 0800 8148 148 or visit
http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/libya-appeal 

Here are some examples of how your donations could be put to good use:

£15 - Children’s schoolbag kit
Designed to provide a child with basic education materials for 3 months while they are displaced, in transit or with no permanent school site

£50 - Teacher’s replenishment kit
Designed to replenish teachers’ supplies for a class of up to 50 people with basic materials

£1000 - Multi-purpose Tent
These provide rapid and flexible solutions and can be used to create child friendly spaces, temporary schools, clinics, nutrition centres or accommodation

£2,300 - Child Friendly Space kit
Designed to provide the temporary infrastructure required for an initial response. Can also be used for setting up temporary schools, clinics, nutrition centres or accommodation

£5,500 - Emergency Health Kit
Designed for a population of 10,000 for 5 months – consisting of a both basic medicines and equipment, and a supplementary unit of comprehensive medicines, essential infusions (e.g. iv medicines) and medical devices (e.g. catheters, feeding tubes).
 
Can you spare something today to help?
http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/libya-appeal  
 

A transition camp has rapidly been set up for all the people fleeing the last week of violence in Libya



The Big Bang Explodes Into Life

London ExCeL event aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers

This March, The Big Bang: UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair is preparing for record numbers of people to take part in what is the UK’s biggest ever FREE celebration of science and engineering for young people.

Thousands have already registered to attend the science extravaganza at ICC London ExCeL from 10 – 12 March, and organisers are urging families and schools to register now for free tickets. The 10 and 11 March are for schools with Saturday 12 March open to the public.Aimed at unleashing passion and excitement in the next generation of scientists and engineers, the large-scale event will host 120 interactive activities, exhibitions and live shows, as well as the finals of the National Science & Engineering Competition.

Headline acts include live performances from BBC One’s Bang goes the Theory and an explosive line up of daredevil experiments from Sky TV’s Brainiac Live! TV’s favourite fictional duo Wallace and Gromit will also be bringing their ‘World of Invention’ roadshow to The Big Bang, where visitors can get creative at the clay station.

To show just how fun and inspiring science and engineering can be, other show-stopping activity zones include:

Go Global

• Discover how to weld big structures using chocolate 
• Test your robotic skills by designing and programming a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® robot to help discover solutions to real world problems 
• Join geoscientists to make your own earthquake and try your hand at fossil hunting

 The Next Factor

• Find out how the liquid crystals in your LCD TV can be used for bullet-proof vests
• Feel Good Vibrations with a workshop designed to uncover the weird science behind sound
• Meet real-life astronomers who have turned their curiosity for the universe and life beyond earth into a career

Body Talk

• Take a look at your blood up close and visit a Stem Cell Lab of the Future
• Have a go at handling real bionic implants and uncover where they fit in the body
• Step inside the BodPod and discover your body shape and why what you eat matters

Energise

• Use your pedal power to help generate electricity! Challenge your friends to see who can create the most energy
• Find out how Algae can be used to produce hydrogen, electricity or other forms of green energy

Capital Hall

• Get in the fast lane and see how McLaren are using the latest technologies to create a range of high-performance sports cars. Feel the power and take your seat inside some of its newest innovations

Professor Brian Cox, one of The Big Bang’s biggest advocates, will also be attending The Fair to judge in the finals of the National Science & Engineering Competition. Visitors on Friday 12 March will see the TV science star rewarding some of the UK’s most inspiring young talent.Paul Jackson, Chief Executive of The Big Bang 2011, said: “The line-up for this year’s event guarantees a spectacular experience for young people of all ages. As well as showing just how much fun and inspiring science and engineering can be, it is also the ideal place to find out about the exciting career options out there.”

To find out more and book your place visit http://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/

Peter Corey’s top 10 tips for making reading a great experience for kids of all ages

It's World Book Day tomorrow and learndirect has teamed up with top children’s author Peter Corey to help parents boost their children’s reading skills Mums, dads and their children can enjoy two free online storybooks by logging on to www.learndirect.co.uk/readtogether. Great for entertaining families, both are perfect for helping prepare children for the challenge of starting or going back to school.

“The Journey to Darkest Somewhere” and “The House of Scary Words” let kids become the lead characters and change details within the stories. The books also encourage readers to use basic English language while they play, so kids and parents can learn together.

Here are Peter’s top 10 tips for making reading a great experience for kids of all ages:

1. Read little and often – ten to fifteen minutes every day is great. For younger children, use bedtime or bath time if finding a moment isn’t easy during the day.

2. Reading should always be fun so try not to pressure your child if they feel too tired or lose interest. Laugh together at the funny stuff and enjoy the rhyming words – you’d be surprised how rewarding it feels.

3. Relish the story – talk about it and encourage your child to ask questions. You’ll be able to see how well they have understood what they have read.

4. Enjoying the pictures in a book is as important as the text. They can make the words easier to understand and help bring the story to life.

5. Be brave in your choice of books. Always search around, even if you think you’ve already found you and your child’s favourite author.

6. Use a library to borrow books. Libraries give us lots of choice and are like a dating agency – helping match the right person with the right book!

7. Don’t be scared of long words – they can be broken down into smaller parts which will make them far easier. Some English spellings just don’t make sense at first, so don’t worry if you or your child stumbles, it might be the word’s fault!

8. Don’t be afraid to judge a book by its cover and check what’s written on the back. This should help you decide if you and your child will enjoy the book.

9. Don’t worry if your child wants to read the same book again and again. Kids enjoy repetition as it helps them understand the story.

10. Always praise your child for trying hard at their reading and let them know it’s okay to make mistakes. After all, we all get words wrong – even parents! Practice makes perfect and solving reading problems together is part of what makes story time fun.Mums, dads and their children can enjoy two free online storybooks by logging on to www.learndirect.co.uk/readtogether.  Great for entertaining families, both are perfect for helping prepare children for the challenge of starting or going back to school.

It’s Time to Pick Your Nose!

Red Nose Day 2011: Friday 18th March

It’s not very often you get encouraged to pick your nose and sit in front of the TV but on Friday 18th March you get to do just that. Emma Bunton NOSE what an important date it is so she’s roped in three of her newest pals to tell the whole nation that it’s Red Nose Day!

Chucklechomp, Honkus and Captain Conk are the three mischievous monster noses just itching to jump on the end of your nose. They are hiding out in Sainsbury’s, Oxfam and at http://www.rednoseday.com/, so make sure you pick your favourite and wear it with pride. You can also check out their amazing interactive home, The Academy of Fun, at www.rednoseday.com/monsterfun. It’s packed full of exciting games, fun activities and crafty challenges to give you loads of ideas on how to get involved in Red Nose Day.

The monster Red Noses have also been joined by Emma Bunton and a host of celebrity chums to help launch Red Nose Day 2011. The Wanted, Dick and Dom, Sam & Mark, Emma Bunton, Alesha Dixon, Alexandra Burke and even Jedward have all been snapped donning the essential Red Nose, along with the fabulous new Red Nose Day T-shirt by Vivienne Westwood. All are calling on the nation to do something funny for money this Red Nose Day.

You never know, doing something funny for money could even get you on TV. Sam & Mark will be encouraging kids across the country to stage ‘Glee for a Fee’ shows at home, at school or even in the playground. By filming your own tuneful fundraising effort and sending a clip to the CBBC website there’s a chance your footage could be shown on CBBC Glee Club. Starting on BBC One on 14th March, eighteen Glee Clubs from around the UK will battle it out in the five-part TV extravaganza in a bid to be crowned ‘CBBC Glee Club 2011’ and your home-made video could be up there among the stars.

There will also be a brilliant night of TV on Friday 18th March on BBC One at 7pm with Comic Relief: Funny for Money. The amazing line up of presenters is also revealed today - Lenny Henry, James Corden, Fearne Cotton and Claudia Winkleman are just a handful of famous faces taking to the stage to show their support.

If you can’t wait that long for your first televisual treat then fear not, Saturday nights are set to become a whole lot brighter with the hugely anticipated return of ‘Let’s Dance for Comic Relief’. The One Show’s Alex Jones will be joining Steve Jones to host this year’s lycra-clad line up.

Finally, what Red Nose Day announcement would be complete without a word from fearless Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton? Fresh from her Amazing Amazon Adventure, when she kayaked 2,010 miles down the whole length of the Amazon, Super Skelton is now getting a head for heights as she trains for an extra-special high wire feat. The details of Helen’s special circus themed challenge are top secret right now – but all will be revealed on Blue Peter very soon.

Helen says: “Let me give you the three steps to Red Nose Day 2011: Have a laugh, raise some money and change lives for the better. It really couldn’t be simpler.”

Whatever you’re doing to raise money for Red Nose Day just make such you have tons of fun doing it and remember that Comic Relief spends all the money raised through Red Nose Day to give extremely poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the UK and Africa a helping hand to turn their lives around.

Red Noses
The three monster Noses are available at Sainsbury’s, Oxfam and online at www.rednoseday.com and costs £1 each with at least 70p going to Comic Relief.

Red Nose Day TShirts
A collection of eight designs by Vivienne Westwood the stylish Red Nose Day T-shirts include a Pirate design and Mother and Baby Elephant. Available in-store and online at TK Maxx and www.rednoseday.com. Priced between £5.99 and £14.99 with between £2.50 and £7 going to Comic Relief. Made from 100% Fairtrade certified organic cotton.

Website
Join the monster Noses at the Academy of Fun. www.rednosedaycom/monsterfun

How accurate is new research claiming that television is hindering children’s language development?

By Dr. Lin Day, Baby Sensory

Research out this week has found that too much time spent in front of the television is hindering children’s speech. The survey of 6,000 people, including 3,000 parents, conducted by the Communication Trust, also found that more than half (51 per cent) of those questioned think youngsters can suffer from speech problems if their parents do not talk to them enough. There has always been speculation amongst both parents and professionals about the effect that television can have on a child, but it is also important to realise its benefits. There is some research to suggest that quality TV programmes can have a beneficial effect on literacy activities, comprehension and recall in three and four-year-olds.

Interactive programmes that encourage singing, signing, clapping and dancing can promote language development and imaginative play. Programmes that have themes of repetitive content can make it easier for children to learn new words. Studies show that toddlers who watch their favourite alphabet characters fare better in their knowledge of letter sounds when they go to pre-school than children who have no screen time. Children also benefit from snuggling up and watching television with an adult. The physical contact is good for them and parents can talk about the programme that they have watched together. High quality educational programmes can provide a window on the world for toddlers and help them to make sense of it. Some programmes can also inspire parents to play with their child. For example, a nature or craft programme can be a starting point for an outing to the park or a messy play activity.

Convincing data supports the view that the content, editing speed and the length of viewing time are what really matters. Indeed, short periods in front of a television can help babies to focus on pictures, lights and colours a short distance away. Nevertheless, watching the screen for an hour or more may affect depth perception and long-range vision. Television programmes that have slow editing speeds, continuous narrative and a single gentle voice are much better for the under-twos than fast-paced programmes with lots of zooms, cuts and multiple voices.

In an ideal world, babies and toddlers would be happily entertained with activities other than television. However, it does play a big role in today's hectic society and preventing the under-twos from watching it may be an unrealistic goal for most parents. The key is to provide good quality age-appropriate programmes as part of a balanced schedule and to limit viewing to 10 minutes for babies and 20 minutes for toddlers at any one time. Television should not displace important activities such as outdoor play, social interaction, talk, physical exercise and going to the park. If used responsibly, the risks of harm are very low.