The BBC’s technology editor Zoe Kleinman on the big changes coming down the line for young people online.

Cases reported in 83 countries, with at least 10,600 students and staff killed, injured, abducted or arrested, GCPEA says

Attacks on education globally have surged by 40% with more than 8,556 recorded incidents and 10,600 students and staff killed, injured, abducted, arrested or otherwise harmed in 2024 and 2025, according to new research.

Attacks were reported in 83 countries, with the highest...

Funding for extracurricular activities comes as ministers prepare to introduce social media restrictions for under-16s

The government has announced a £132.5m funding package for after-school clubs as ministers prepare to introduce expected restrictions on social media use for under-16s.

The programme is designed to expand access to enrichment activities in schools, with funding for clubs...

Other projects include developing tools to help visually impaired people navigate video games

Parents are constantly being told to limit their children’s screen time. But when it comes to deciphering which films or TV shows are best suited to developing minds, the guidance remains largely one-size-fits-all. A relatively slow-paced programme such as Bluey offers a very different viewing...

One-off programme to begin in July after recent MenB outbreaks in Kent, Dorset and Berkshire killed three people

Teenagers in their final school year and young people starting university will be offered two doses of a vaccine to protect them against meningitis B, the government has announced.

The one-off vaccination programme, which will begin in late July, comes after an unprecedented outbreak...

Long-awaited course to examine human effects on natural world and explore everyday ways to aid biodiversity

School pupils will learn how to plant a wildflower-friendly garden, according to long-awaited plans announced on Thursday for a natural history GCSE in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Campaigners have for more than a decade called for the study of biodiversity loss and global heating...

Data shows sharp increase in number of children receiving extra support and highlights pressure on schools, families and councils

More than one in five pupils in England have special educational needs, as the latest official figures show a sharp increase in the numbers of children receiving extra support in school.

The annual data from the Department for Education (DfE) confirms predictions of...

More than one in five pupils in England – around 1.8 million children – get extra support in school.

The UCL study also found physically punished children were more likely to struggle in school

Children smacked by their parents struggle to get good exam results and are more likely to bully others, causing a negative impact on society, according to new research calling for smacking to be banned.

The study by University College London (UCL) found that children in England who were physically...

A University College London (UCL) study suggests that smacking children “does no good whatsoever”.

Treasury minister Lucy Rigby says the government has the right to alter terms of existing agreements

Ministers have rejected accusations that recent changes to student loans were unfair, arguing they are so heavily subsidised that the government has the right to alter their terms.

Pressure has been intensifying on the UK government to reform the student loans system but the chief secretary to...

More are reading for fun for the first time in five years, according to new research.

More than one in three now say they like picking up books in their spare time, according to a literacy charity.

A new scheme to support care leavers’ relationships is welcome. But loneliness is one problem among many

It might sound obvious that – as Benjamin Zephaniah wrote – “People will always need people / To make life appealing / And give life some meaning.” But the care system has not always behaved as though relationships are a condition of human flourishing. So it is good to see this...

There are more than one million young carers in the UK – with an average age of 12 – which is the equivalent of two kids in every school class. Do they feel supported? In Walthamstow, east London, we meet a group of carers as they are collected for a rare night off that brings a sense of community and a glimpse of fun for a few hours every few weeks. It’s hosted by Satvinder, a tenacious...

There are more than one million young carers in the UK – with an average age of 12 – which is the equivalent of two kids in every school class. Do they feel supported? In Walthamstow, east London, we meet a group of carers as they are collected for a rare night off that brings a sense of community and a glimpse of fun for a few hours every few weeks. It’s hosted by Satvinder, a...

Backed by a mix of private and public finance, Huddersfield and Manchester are among many in the academic sector helping to create jobs and growth

Huddersfield might appear an unlikely setting for a thriving health research complex. The West Yorkshire town is best known for its manufacturing heritage, but has quickly become a honey pot for private sector businesses keen to collaborate with the...

‘Families deserve clarity about the qualifications and training of those caring for their children’

The prime minister has pledged “decisive” measures in response to calls for an Australia-style ban.

The guidance is set to include tips on how much screen time children aged five to 16 should have.