"The tech-backed charity also edited out references to children feeling unable to stop using TikTok and Snap, social media exacerbating a devastating epidemic of isolation, and a passage questioning why people would want to spend years of their lives scrolling TikTok and binge-watching Netflix, the edits show. The 2026 iteration of the Childnet-run event takes place on Tuesday with more than 2,800 schools and colleges listed as supporters."
"Childnet, whose core purpose is helping to make the internet a great and safe place for children, is one of several internet safety charities part-funded by tech companies. Childnet denied making edits to keep tech funders happy and insisted it would not stop young people making their points. Aspects of the approved speech did acknowledge that excessive screen time had led to depression and anxiety, and that social media companies should reduce the use of devices such as notifications, autoplay and streaks to prolong user engagement."
Childnet, a UK charity part-funded by companies including Snap, Roblox and Meta, removed warnings from two teenagers that social media addiction is an imminent threat and that obsessive scrolling was making people sick. The teenagers had been invited to speak at a Safer Internet Day 2024 event in London before government, charity and tech representatives. Edits also removed references to children feeling unable to stop using TikTok and Snap, social media worsening isolation, and a passage questioning years spent scrolling and binge-watching. Childnet denied censoring to appease funders and said approved material acknowledged links between excessive screen time, depression and anxiety.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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