Abstract The chances that children have to participate in child protection services are largely contingent upon the attitudes and skills of case managers. They have a crucial role in ensuring that a child's voice is being listened to and acknowledged in often sensitive dialogues. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate what case managers need to facilitate child participation. By handing case managers a participation toolbox developed by children and through the use of reflexive monitoring in action, we elaborated on the barriers faced in practice. The results show that the intention to facilitate child participation is quickly overruled by often subconscious thoughts and beliefs, stemming from the complex interplay of child image, protection, and participation. Case managers need to be aware of this interplay and how this unknowingly steers their actions. Therefore, iterative reflection should be facilitated within organizations for an actual change in their daily practice and to amplify the role of children in the decision‐making processes within child protection services.
Ganna G. van Bijleveld, Joske Bunders, Christine W. M. Dedding
OBJECTIVES: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine represents a cornerstone in tackling the pandemic and with the approval of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in December 2020, it has become a beacon of hope for people around the world, including children. This study aimed to present the data on the humoral response and safety of vaccine in a cohort of patients with paediatric rheumatic diseases receiving immunomodulatory treatments. METHODS: Forty-one children with paediatric rheumatic diseases were included and were vaccinated with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine (two doses of 30 µg administered 3-4 weeks apart). To assess the humoral response, IgG antibodies developed against the S1/Receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein at baseline and 3-4 weeks after the second dose were measured. The possible local and systemic side effects and disease activity scores were evaluated during the study period. RESULTS: After the second dose of vaccine, markedly elevated anti-RBD IgG titres were observed in all patients with a median titre of 20 474 AU/ml [interquartile range (IQR) 6534-36 151] with a good safety profile. The median disease duration was 4.3 (IQR 3.5-5.6) years. In the cohort, 14 (34.1%) received conventional DMARDs (cDMARDs), 16 (39%) received biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) and 11 (26.8%) received a combined therapy (cDMARDs and bDMARDs). Patients treated with combined therapy [median 4695 (IQR 2764-26 491)] had significantly lower median titres of anti-RBD IgG than those receiving only cDMARDs. CONCLUSION: Paediatric rheumatic diseases patients receiving immunomodulatory treatments were able to mount an effective humoral response after two dose regimens of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine safely without interrupting their current treatments.
As digital technologies increasingly shape the everyday lives of young learners, primary education must respond with proactive, structured strategies to promote cybersecurity awareness. This paper presents a practical, four-pillar, classroom-based framework for introducing key elements of digital safety to children aged 6–12 (Grades 1-6). Inspired by direct teaching practice in Greek primary schools, the proposed model emphasizes age-appropriate instruction on online safety, safe password practices, recognizing and avoiding harmful software, and responsible use of digital communication tools. Teaching strategies include highly interactive and relevant methods such as role-playing phishing scenarios, identifying typosquatted URLs during online searches, avoiding or handling bogus pop-up windows depending on age, and discussing real-life risks of social media chat with strangers – particularly on apps like Snapchat and Viber, which are commonly used by students. The model also integrates relatable examples from students’ family experiences to reinforce learning. Implementation of this framework demonstrated a significant increase in student identification of common cyber risks and a marked improvement in safe online behaviors. Grounded in educational theory and aligned with ICT integration goals, this paper highlights how cybersecurity awareness can be effectively cultivated in the classroom using engaging, low-cost, and adaptable methods. It offers a practical guide, providing educators a scalable pathway toward building digital resilience in the next generation and ultimately contributing to a safer global digital citizenship.
This paper aims to raise awareness of cyberbullying and online safety among health practitioners and provide some useful advice and key messages to help facilitate conversations with children and young people about internet use. The paper also discusses the role of 'SOCKS' (Stamp Out Cyberbullying & Keep Safe), a novel teaching workshop aimed at primary school children, which aims to generate awareness and understanding before they become regularly exposed to the dangers of the online world.
The CO:RE project is a Coordination and Support Action within the Horizon 2020 framework, which aims to build an international knowledge base on the impact of technological transformations on children and youth.Part of the knowledge base is a series of short reports on relevant topics that provide an overview of the state of research.This part is
Emicizumab is a bispecific, humanized, monoclonal antibody mimicking the factor (F) VIII cofactor activity in mediating the generation of FXa by FIXa in patients with hemophilia A (HA). This subcutaneous non-factor agent has been recently extensively approved for the prophylaxis of patients of HA patients with and without FVIII-inhibitors of all ages, although few data are currently available in children. In Phase 3 clinical trials and case series, emicizumab prophylaxis significantly reduced bleeding rates compared to previous treatment in HA adolescents and children with or without FVIII-inhibitors and was generally well tolerated. In addition, subcutaneous administration of emicizumab provided beneficial effects on health-related quality of life, and lessened the burden of the disease in HA patients as well as in their caregivers. However, additional prospective studies are required to evaluate the long-term safety of emicizumab prophylaxis in very young patients, including previously untreated patients. The aim of this paper was to review the limited data available on the use of emicizumab prophylaxis in children and to highlight the need for further studies to address remaining concerns.
In today’s world, the Internet has become a regular part of our youth’s life. Forward-thinking teachers can no longer ignore the incredible potential of utilizing Web 2.0 tools and social media in an educational context. Embracing the possibilities of online interaction is one of the steps towards raising technologically savvy adults, but for this to happen responsibly, it is imperative that we consider the issue of online safety and privacy. Teaching young children to behave responsibly online can be a difficult task due to the serious and often dry nature of the subject matter. Literature in the field demonstrates the importance of taking a different approach when teaching young ones how to become better digital citizens. This project addresses this issue as it offers a response to the critical question, ‘How can intermediate teachers effectively reach their students and inform them about online safety, privacy and citizenship in a fun and engaging way?’ The ensuing eWarrior workshop was developed as a blended learning opportunity composed of a child-friendly website populated by lighthearted characters and an accompanying workbook. Through a series of varied and interactive hands-on tasks, the eWarrior crew guides students in a quest towards better digital citizenship so that they too may become eWarriors. Activities align with the BC Ministry of Education’s Grades 3 to 6 Curriculum as well as with the Core Competencies for those grades. Several printable materials are available as well as a walkthrough guide for teachers. Initial feedback was very positive, with respondents asserting they believed the website and activities had met the goals of the project, and many teachers hoping to try the workshop with their classes in the coming year.
With the rise of digital technology and massive migration to the internet for daily activities, personal data of children is being breached on a large scale by schools, government, online platforms and even parents. It has been estimated that approximately one in three users of the Internet worldwide are under the age of eighteen. In addition to being increasingly active online, children also continue to depend on the Internet for a variety of uses such as play, communication and education. This implies that data belonging to children are frequently being collected through the use of gadgets, applications, and websites, and are sometimes sold or used for criminal activities. Several guidelines regarding children's online data protection have emerged globally such as the United States’ Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule ("COPPA"), United Kingdom’s ICO Children's Code (or Age Appropriate Design Code), and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). However, there was no adequate provision for the protection of children’s data in Nigeria until the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act which is a step in the right direction, but is not without its flaws. This paper seeks to determine the adequacy of the legal frameworks generally in Nigeria to deal with child data breaches. It takes a comparative approach by analysing several legal frameworks in other jurisdictions, and proffers recommendations including amendment of legislations, online safety measures and awareness, privacy and data protection by design approaches for companies and adequate parental control measures.
Artykuł prezentuje kwestie bezpieczeństwa dzieci i młodzieży w przestrzeni wirtualnej. Dorośli są zobowiązani do zapewnienia młodemu pokoleniu bezpieczeństwa w różnych wymiarach, zarówno w tradycyjnej przestrzeni społecznej jak i w przestrzeni wirtualnej (cyberprzestrzeni). Współcześnie, młodzi ludzie, dla których media cyfrowe są nieodłącznym elementem ich codzienności, są narażeni na wiele niebezpieczeństw napływających z cyberprzestrzeni. W artykule zaprezentowano przykłady działań profilaktycznych i edukacyjnych, które należy podejmować, aby zapewnić młodemu pokoleniu bezpieczne funkcjonowanie w świecie realnym i wirtualnym. Omawiane kwestie poruszane są w kontekście interdyscyplinarnym.
BACKGROUND: Recently, we found that a new malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, had over 75% efficacy against clinical malaria with seasonal administration in a phase 2b trial in Burkina Faso. Here, we report on safety and efficacy of the vaccine in a phase 3 trial enrolling over 4800 children across four countries followed for up to 18 months at seasonal sites and 12 months at standard sites. METHODS: We did a double-blind, randomised, phase 3 trial of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine across five sites in four African countries with differing malaria transmission intensities and seasonality. Children (aged 5-36 months) were enrolled and randomly assigned (2:1) to receive 5 μg R21 plus 50 μg Matrix-M or a control vaccine (licensed rabies vaccine [Abhayrab]). Participants, their families, investigators, laboratory teams, and the local study team were masked to treatment. Vaccines were administered as three doses, 4 weeks apart, with a booster administered 12 months after the third dose. Half of the children were recruited at two sites with seasonal malaria transmission and the remainder at standard sites with perennial malaria transmission using age-based immunisation. The primary objective was protective efficacy of R21/Matrix-M from 14 days after third vaccination to 12 months after completion of the primary series at seasonal and standard sites separately as co-primary endpoints. Vaccine efficacy against multiple malaria episodes and severe malaria, as well as safety and immunogenicity, were also assessed. This trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04704830, and is ongoing. FINDINGS: From April 26, 2021, to Jan 12, 2022, 5477 children consented to be screened, of whom 1705 were randomly assigned to control vaccine and 3434 to R21/Matrix-M; 4878 participants received the first dose of vaccine. 3103 participants in the R21/Matrix-M group and 1541 participants in the control group were included in the modified per-protocol analysis (2412 [51·9%] male and 2232 [48·1%] female). R21/Matrix-M vaccine was well tolerated, with injection site pain (301 [18·6%] of 1615 participants) and fever (754 [46·7%] of 1615 participants) as the most frequent adverse events. Number of adverse events of special interest and serious adverse events did not significantly differ between the vaccine groups. There were no treatment-related deaths. 12-month vaccine efficacy was 75% (95% CI 71-79; p<0·0001) at the seasonal sites and 68% (61-74; p<0·0001) at the standard sites for time to first clinical malaria episode. Similarly, vaccine efficacy against multiple clinical malaria episodes was 75% (71-78; p<0·0001) at the seasonal sites and 67% (59-73; p<0·0001) at standard sites. A modest reduction in vaccine efficacy was observed over the first 12 months of follow-up, of similar size at seasonal and standard sites. A rate reduction of 868 (95% CI 762-974) cases per 1000 children-years at seasonal sites and 296 (231-362) at standard sites occurred over 12 months. Vaccine-induced antibodies against the conserved central Asn-Ala-Asn-Pro (NANP) repeat sequence of circumsporozoite protein correlated with vaccine efficacy. Higher NANP-specific antibody titres were observed in the 5-17 month age group compared with 18-36 month age group, and the younger age group had the highest 12-month vaccine efficacy on time to first clinical malaria episode at seasonal (79% [95% CI 73-84]; p<0·001) and standard (75% [65-83]; p<0·001) sites. INTERPRETATION: R21/Matrix-M was well tolerated and offered high efficacy against clinical malaria in African children. This low-cost, high-efficacy vaccine is already licensed by several African countries, and recently received a WHO policy recommendation and prequalification, offering large-scale supply to help reduce the great burden of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. FUNDING: The Serum Institute of India, the Wellcome Trust, the UK National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, and Open Philanthropy.
Mehreen S. Datoo, Alassane Dicko, Halidou Tinto et al.
