In a bold move to address the escalating concerns over children’s exposure to harmful online content, the Danish government announced a groundbreaking agreement on Friday to ban social media access for individuals under the age of 15. This initiative, which allows parents to grant access to 13-year-olds following a specific assessment, marks one of the most stringent measures by a European Union government to regulate social media usage among minors.
分类： society
-
Are you considering a boarding school in the UK?
The United Kingdom has long been celebrated for its exceptional educational standards, particularly in the realm of boarding schools. With over 70,000 students currently enrolled in such institutions, the demand for places remains robust. These schools are renowned for their outstanding academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities for music, sports, and the arts, and the unique opportunities they provide for young people aged 8 to 18. The boarding school experience is not just about academics; it’s about fostering independence, confidence, and resilience. Parents often observe significant growth in their children after just one term, attributing this transformation to the supportive and structured environment of boarding life. A key factor in this development is the interaction with peers and the guidance of highly trained, caring staff. Academic performance is another major draw for parents. Research indicates that boarders often outperform their day-school counterparts, thanks to the additional support and encouragement they receive during evenings and weekends. However, the benefits extend beyond grades. Boarding schools emphasize the development of character and essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, and resilience, which are crucial for building a fulfilling life. For those considering a UK boarding education for their child, the UK Boarding School Exhibition in Dubai offers an excellent starting point. Scheduled for November 15 at the Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, the event will feature representatives from 20 UK boarding schools, including girls’ schools, boys’ schools, state boarding schools, and independent colleges. These institutions offer a range of academic programs, including IGCSEs, A Levels, BTEC, and IB Diplomas, catering to diverse learning styles and strengths. To register and learn more, visit www.andersoneducation.co.uk or contact enquiries@andersoneducation.co.uk.
-
English teacher empowers students to tell Xinjiang’s stories better
Ailifeiya Baikeli, an English teacher and the founder of a language center, is on a mission to amplify the voices of Xinjiang through the power of language. Her primary goal is to equip her students with the skills to narrate the rich stories of Xinjiang in fluent English, thereby bridging cultural gaps and fostering global understanding. Ailifeiya’s dedication to her hometown’s younger generation is evident in her innovative teaching methods, which aim to empower students to become cultural ambassadors. By focusing on English education, she not only enhances their linguistic abilities but also instills a sense of pride in their heritage. Her efforts are part of a broader initiative to showcase Xinjiang’s unique culture and history to the world, ensuring that its narratives are accurately and compellingly conveyed.
-
Inmate mistakenly released from London prison arrested after more than a week of freedom
A convicted sex offender, Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, who was erroneously released early from Wandsworth Prison in London, was apprehended by police on Friday after spending over a week at large. This incident marks the second such case in recent weeks, casting a harsh spotlight on the UK’s beleaguered prison system and sparking political controversy. Kaddour-Cherif, 24, an Algerian national and registered sex offender due to a prior indecent exposure conviction, was serving time for trespass with intent to steal. He was in the initial stages of deportation when mistakenly freed. His arrest, captured by Sky News, saw him initially deny his identity before admitting, “It is not my fault. They released me illegally.”
The other wrongly released inmate, Billy Smith, 35, convicted of fraud, surrendered himself on Thursday. These incidents have reignited scrutiny of Wandsworth Prison, which faced criticism two years ago after another prisoner escaped by clinging to a food delivery truck. The recent errors follow stricter security measures implemented after an asylum-seeker’s mistaken release from Chelmsford Prison in October, which fueled anti-immigrant protests.
The Labour government has faced intense criticism over the issue, with 262 prisoners released in error in the year ending March 2025—a 128% increase from the previous year. Conservatives blame Labour’s early release policies, while Labour points to 14 years of Conservative austerity that underfunded the prison system. Justice Secretary David Lammy acknowledged the crisis, stating, “We inherited a prison system in crisis… I’m determined to grip this problem, but there is a mountain to climb.”
-
Infants’ remains found during mass burial site excavation
Archaeologists excavating the site of a former mother-and-baby institution in Tuam, County Galway, have uncovered seven sets of infant remains. The institution, operated by the Bon Secours Sisters and open from 1925 to 1961, has long been a subject of controversy. The Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam (ODAIT), which began the excavation in July, issued its third monthly update, revealing the discovery of the remains near a ‘vaulted structure’ on the western edge of the site. Initial assessments suggest the remains belong to infants, but further analysis, including radiocarbon dating, will be required to determine their age and historical context. This process is expected to take at least three months. The site, previously used as a military barracks and a workhouse, has a complex history, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact era of the remains. ODAIT also reported finding two additional sets of remains believed to date back to the workhouse era, alongside numerous artifacts, including personal items like a razor. The excavation has drawn international attention since 2014, when local historian Catherine Corless revealed that 796 children and babies died at the institution without burial records. In 2017, Irish government investigators discovered ‘significant quantities of human remains’ in underground chambers. ODAIT continues to collaborate with the National Museum of Ireland to manage and analyze the findings.
-
Van is chased by police in Bulgaria and crashes, killing six migrants
A tragic incident unfolded near Bulgaria’s eastern Black Sea coast late Thursday night, resulting in the deaths of six migrants and injuries to four others, including the driver of the van they were traveling in. The vehicle, bearing Romanian registration plates, was being pursued by Bulgarian police when it crashed into a lake after the driver lost control while attempting to evade spike strips laid by authorities. The accident occurred near the city of Burgas, according to Border Police Chief Anton Zlatanov, who briefed reporters on Friday. The migrants, believed to be from Afghanistan, were illegally entering Bulgaria at the time of the crash. The driver, a Romanian national, and three other passengers sustained minor injuries and were transported to a hospital after receiving initial medical care at the scene. Bulgaria, a key transit country for migrants from the Middle East and Afghanistan, has seen a significant reduction in migration pressure over the past year, with authorities dismantling up to 20 organized criminal groups involved in human trafficking. Zlatanov emphasized that while complete elimination of migration is unattainable, efforts have led to a 70% decrease in migration-related challenges compared to the previous year.
-
Four held after protesters set off flares during Israeli orchestra concert in Paris
A performance by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Paris on Thursday night was marred by protests and clashes, leading to the detention of four individuals by French police. The concert, conducted by Lahav Shani and featuring pianist Sir Andras Schiff, was interrupted three times, with protesters setting off flares and causing chaos in the auditorium. The event, which showcased works by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, had already faced criticism from a French performing arts union and pro-Palestinian activists, who called for a boycott. Despite the disruptions, the concert resumed and concluded peacefully. The Philharmonie de Paris condemned the incidents, emphasizing that such actions threaten public safety and are unacceptable. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati defended artistic freedom, while Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez praised the police for their swift response. However, European Parliament member Manon Aubry refused to condemn the protests, arguing that the orchestra represents a state accused of war crimes. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding cultural events linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
-
Xinjiang launches consumption voucher program to boost winter tourism
In a strategic move to invigorate its winter tourism sector, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China has announced the launch of a consumption voucher program starting November 14, 2025. This initiative, unveiled by the regional culture and tourism department, aims to attract more visitors to its renowned ski resorts during the snowy season. A total of 10,000 vouchers, each valued at 20 yuan (approximately $2.82), will be distributed. These vouchers are redeemable at 11 high-quality ski resorts rated 4S class or above, located in popular winter destinations including Urumqi, Changji, Ili, and Altay. To utilize the voucher, skiers must purchase a ski pass worth at least 100 yuan, and the vouchers can be claimed via a WeChat mini-program. Xinjiang, celebrated for its extended snowy periods and superior snow quality, offers a robust winter tourism experience that combines skiing, snow sightseeing, and cultural immersion. The previous winter season saw a significant influx of 3.57 million tourists to standardized ski resorts in the region, marking a 10.22% increase from the previous year, and generating a tourism revenue of 844 million yuan, up by 39.13%. According to Li Meng, an official from the department, the voucher program is set to continue until February 2026, with the dual objectives of stimulating expenditure on winter sports and fostering the high-quality development of the region’s winter tourism industry.
-
Man jailed for life over ‘monstrous’ killing of family
A 20-year-old Sri Lankan student, Febrio De-Zoysa, has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of six people, including a mother and her four young children, in Ottawa, Canada. The horrific incident occurred in March 2024, when De-Zoysa, who was living in the basement of the Wickramasinghe family’s rented townhouse, fatally stabbed Darshani Ekanayake, 35, and her children: Inuka, 7; Ashwini, 4; Ranaya, 3; and two-month-old Kelly. A family friend, Gamini Amarakoon, 40, was also killed, while the father, Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, sustained injuries. Justice Kevin Phillips, delivering the verdict, described De-Zoysa’s actions as ‘stupefying, monstrous,’ and emphasized the profound loss and grief caused by the crimes. De-Zoysa, who cannot seek parole for 25 years, showed no emotion during most of the hearing but apologized, stating he would spend his life acknowledging the truth of his actions. The victims, except for the newborn, were Sri Lankan immigrants who had moved to Canada in search of a better life. De-Zoysa claimed he committed the murders because he was out of money and did not want to return to Sri Lanka when his student visa expired. He used a 38cm hunting knife, which he had purchased over a month prior, initially intending to take his own life. The tragedy has left the survivors and the community devastated, with Mr. Wickramasinghe expressing that his world has been irreparably destroyed. The case has been described as one of the most shocking incidents of violence in Ottawa’s history.
-
Multiple explosions shake a mosque in an Indonesian high school and injure 54
JAKARTA, Indonesia — A series of explosions rocked a mosque during Friday prayers at a state high school in Jakarta, leaving at least 54 people injured, predominantly students, according to police reports. The incident occurred at SMA 27, a school located within a navy compound in the Kelapa Gading neighborhood of northern Jakarta. Witnesses recounted hearing at least two loud blasts around midday, coinciding with the start of the sermon. Chaos ensued as students and worshippers fled the mosque, which was quickly engulfed in gray smoke. The majority of the victims sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe, primarily caused by shattered glass. Jakarta Police Chief Asep Edi Suheri indicated that the explosions originated near the mosque’s loudspeaker, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Emergency services transported the injured to nearby hospitals, with 20 students still receiving medical attention, three of whom are in serious condition. Authorities discovered toy rifles and a toy gun near the mosque, prompting further scrutiny. Suheri urged the public to refrain from speculation, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing and that the findings will be disclosed in due course.