Maddyness UK’s Post

Since 2022, we've organized the Annual Social Work Assembly to ensure our work remains relevant and effective in an ever-changing world. This yearly event allows us to address emerging challenges, like the impact of ICT and digital tools on social work.    At this year's assembly, we focused on how digital tools can enhance our ability to support street-connected children and families while recognizing the risks of digital exclusion and loss of human connection. We discussed practical steps to educate street-connected children and their families about safe online practices to protect them from online exploitation, exposure to dangerous content, gambling etc. We also discussed strategies on how our social workers can effectively combine digital tools with face-to-face interactions to preserve connection with the children we serve!  #SocialWork #StreetChildren #DigitalTools

When you read or hear something about #poverty, do you tune out? Are you tempted to do that right now? I certainly have been there and done that. And today's Food Solutions New England 21 Day Equity Challenge is trying to change that, mobilizing people's #awareness, #compassion and #action. As today's prompt states, "Poverty affects millions of people in the U.S. alone. Estimates range from 12.4% or 78.4 million people (almost 1 out of every 4 people) to 112 million (almost 1 in every 3 people) depending on the measure you use. The experience of poverty is not evenly distributed across communities. ... Women, children, people with disabilities, and Black, Indigenous, Latinx people and some Asian communities experience disproportionately high rates of poverty. At the same time we need to remember that in absolute numbers, there are more poor white people in the U.S. than any other racial/ethnic group. "As relates directly to food systems, #foodinsecurity is one the most devastating impacts of poverty. In 2022, people in more than 27 million US households (20.5%) or more than 44.2 million people, faced the harsh reality of food insecurity or low food security. Those numbers include one in every five children (20%). On a global scale, an estimated 690-783 million people faced hunger in 2022. Food insecurity and #hunger have multiple impacts on health, #wellbeing, and children’s learning to name just a few. ... "While the causes of poverty are complex, one thing we know is that poverty in the U.S. is not the result of personal failings or cultural characteristics. 'Rags to riches' stories and the myth of meritocracy and the so-called American Dream aside, where we land in the economic structure and our chances of moving from one economic class to another are not primarily a function of individual effort. They’re baked into the way our society and economy are structured. So what can we do? 🦋 "It will take a revolution in our thinking about the causes of poverty and a willingness to genuinely see both the humanity of people who experience poverty and the systemic nature of their struggles. 🦋 "It will take a shift in how we treat individuals who experience poverty and a willingness to move beyond stereotypes and fear that produce othering at an interpersonal level, toward building authentic relationships across class lines. 🦋 "It will take reshaping our organizational practices to ensure that people who experience poverty are treated with dignity and are involved in solutions. 🦋 "It will take committing to equity as the economic model that will ensure the economic vitality of the whole country by investing in the wellbeing of people of color - the fastest growing demographic in the U.S. 🦋 "And it will take building a movement from the bottom up that insists on nothing less than an overhaul of our country’s policies and practices in order to end, not just ameliorate poverty." Join the movement - https://lnkd.in/e6Mujdq9

Happy new month Digital Citizens... Each June, the greater online safety community commemorates Internet Safety Month. As my team at Digital Wellness Africa and I make our various contributions within our communities, I dedicated myself to not only investing in continued personal development but also to supporting fellow digital rights and online safety advocates and authors. I will be sharing various resources that I found to be very helpful in supporting Digital Citizens. The first one, which came in the mail a few days ago, is Online Harms and Cybertrauma: Legal and Harmful Issues with Children and Young People by Catherine Knibbs . "This vital, sensitive guide explains the serious issues children face online and how they are impacted by them on a developmental, neurological, social, mental health and wellbeing level." I am really looking forward to learning how we can ensure Internet Safety for future generations of leaders, educators, parents and policy makers by considering online harms and cybertrauma they are facing right now! #internetsafety #whatsinitforus #onlinesafetyawareness #digitalwellbeing #digitalcitizens #DigitalAgeConversations

🚨 Australia Proposes Landmark Social Media Ban for Under-16s In a groundbreaking move, Australia is set to become one of the first nations to implement a comprehensive social media ban for children under 16. As a Financial Consultant, I find this development particularly significant. Key highlights of the proposal: • Mandatory age verification system • No exceptions - even with parental consent • Platform accountability rather than parental enforcement • Major platforms affected: Meta, TikTok, X, YouTube What sets this apart is its scope and enforceability. Unlike similar initiatives (like France's under-15 proposal), Australia's approach puts the onus squarely on platforms to prevent underage access. PM Albanese's rationale? Protecting youth from documented mental health impacts, body image issues, and concerning online content. 💭 The big question: Will this create a new global standard for digital safety, or will implementation challenges limit its effectiveness? Curious to hear thoughts from my network, especially those in #digitalpolicy #onlinesafety #techregulation: - How might this impact global platform design? - What are the implementation challenges? - Could this spark similar legislation worldwide? 📲 Do call us at  📞 +91-9952606222 or drop an E-mail for any queries 📩 parthiban_v89@hotmail.com Follow me Parthiban Viswanathan - Financial Planner to know about recent trends in Finance world. #SocialMedia #DigitalSafety #TechPolicy #Australia #YouthProtection #FinancewithParthiban

Happy #InternationalYouthDay Youth can significantly impact the world by promoting a safer internet for children and young people in several ways: 1. Advocacy: Youth can raise awareness about online safety issues, such as cyberbullying, privacy concerns, and digital well-being, by organising and participating in campaigns, workshops, and social media activism. 2. Peer Education: Young people can educate their peers on safe online practices, encouraging responsible use of technology. 3. Innovation: Youth can develop or support the creation of apps, tools, and educational resources that promote safer online environments. 4. Policy Influence: By engaging in dialogues with policymakers, youth can advocate for stronger regulations and protections for young people online. 5. Role Modelling: Demonstrating positive online behaviour can inspire others to do the same, fostering a culture of respect and safety in digital spaces. Through these actions, youth can contribute to a safer, better, and more supportive online environment for all. ChildSafeNet

Thrilled to Share My Latest Work! I’m pleased to announce that my article, "Australia's Social Media Revolution: Protecting Youth or Disrupting the Digital Economy?", has been published on Leeds Finsights! 🌟 In this piece, I explore the transformative implications of Australia's proposed regulations on social media platforms. The article examines the delicate balance between protecting young users and safeguarding the innovation-driven digital economy. From the potential benefits of enhanced online safety to the challenges these regulations may pose for businesses and content creators, this article unpacks a critical conversation in today’s digital landscape. You can read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gJKXuXEZ #SocialMedia #DigitalEconomy #YouthProtection #LeedsFinsights #Innovation #ProfessionalGrowth

How will Australia's social media ban for under 16s actually work? Ticker's CEO Ahron Young and I discussed the issue. Here are the key points from our chat: 🔺 77% of Australians support the ban, but critics warn of unintended consequences. 🔺 Research shows clear social media damage to youth, yet the solution might create new problems. 🔺 Research from Dr Larisa McLoughlin suggests a social media ban could cut vulnerable youth off from vital support networks. 🔺 Government processed 15,000 submissions in record time, raising questions about consultation. 🔺 Thousands of alternative platforms exist, making enforcement challenging. 🔺 Critics suggest selective platform targeting might be politically motivated. 🔺 Experts advocate for early digital literacy over blanket bans. Is a digital age restriction the answer, or should we focus on education and guided access? Share your thoughts below. University of the Sunshine Coast Dharana Digital #DigitalSafety #YouthProtection #SocialMediaPolicy #DigitalLiteracy Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://lnkd.in/ghZbY96u

It’s encouraging to see Australia introducing legislation to protect our children from the serious issues linked to social media. This is a strong step toward creating a safer online space. I hope this momentum continues, with further policies that prioritise human well-being over exploitation. Regulating social media and big tech algorithms that maximise engagement at the expense of mental health, especially for vulnerable groups like children, would be transformative. By shifting focus to user well-being, we could foster healthier, more balanced digital interactions that benefit the whole of society, not just younger generations.

What does a safer digital environment look like for all of us? With the rapid evolution of technology, ensuring that online spaces are inclusive and secure for every individual has never been more important. This article highlights the crucial steps we can take together—parents, educators, and tech companies alike—to create a digital world where everyone feels protected and valued. It's about shared responsibility and action. Simple yet effective measures can make a difference, like educating ourselves and others about safe online practices. Engagement with diverse perspectives can amplify our efforts towards fostering a safer internet. Together, we can advocate for more supportive policies and tools, promoting a culture of respect and empathy online. Your voice and experience matter—how do you think we can contribute to this mission? Let's discuss and create a positive impact! https://lnkd.in/e7rkRJsv

Australia's Bold Move: A World-First Social Media Ban for Under 16s In a groundbreaking decision, Australia is set to become the first country to impose a strict ban on social media for children under 16. This move aims to protect young minds from the potential harms of excessive online use. Key points: 1. Strict Enforcement: Tech companies could face hefty fines for non-compliance. 2. Global Impact: This decision could influence other countries to consider similar measures. 3. Controversial Move: While many parents support the ban, concerns have been raised about its effectiveness and potential unintended consequences. What are your thoughts on this bold move? Do you think it's the right approach to protect young people in the digital age? #socialmediaban #digitalwellbeing #childprotection #australia #technews