A bill has been passed by the state House of North Carolina that would ban TikTok on school district devices due to concerns over destructive challenges and safety risks. Wake County schools have warned parents about the dangers of trying to short-circuit Chromebooks, which can cause serious harm and lead to disciplinary action and criminal charges. The district is also struggling to replace aging devices, with a state report showing that 82% of school districts in North Carolina cannot afford new devices, citing a cost of $160 million per year for replacement every four years.
https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/05/09/us-schools-warn-against-new-tiktok-challenge-making-computers-smokeThailand's education system is facing significant challenges due to structural inefficiencies and outdated teaching methods. Despite substantial funding and increased enrollment rates, student outcomes remain underwhelming, with persistent inequalities persisting. The country's school schedule is particularly problematic, with students spending an average of 1200 hours a year in school, exceeding the recommended 800 hours by UNESCO.
https://www.thailand-business-news.com/education/216585-behind-the-classroom-door-unveiling-the-structural-flaws-of-thai-educationUS President Donald Trump announced plans to end a program providing billions in funding for internet access in underserved communities, citing concerns it's unfairly based on race. The "Digital Equity Act" was introduced by the Biden administration to bridge the digital divide.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/trump-to-end-biden-era-program-to-bridge-digital-divideA new study proposes a "bidirectional model" that suggests internal and external factors influencing happiness are intertwined, rather than separate entities. According to Emorie Beck, assistant professor at the University of California, Davis, public policies should be tailored to individual needs to promote well-being, as a one-size-fits-all approach may not work for everyone. The study emphasizes the complexity and uniqueness of happiness, highlighting that there is no universal formula for achieving it.
https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/living/2025/05/09/what039s-the-secret-to-happiness-there039s-no-one-size-fits-all-answerThe 7-7-7 Rule is a parenting strategy that breaks down into three phases: play, teach, and guide. This approach aims to match a child's growth and help raise confident, happy, and capable young adults. The rule suggests spending 7 minutes playing with the child, 7 minutes teaching them a new skill, and 7 minutes guiding them through a task.
https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/from-toddlers-to-teens-the-7-7-7-rule-every-parent-should-know-ws-dekl-9330224.htmlA parent is implementing a balanced approach to fitness for their children, ensuring they engage in regular strength training while also allowing time for rest and recovery through team sports. They prioritize a well-rounded diet that includes protein, vegetables, fruits, and carbs, rather than following extreme diets suggested by social media influencers. To prevent obsessive behavior, the parent is teaching their kids to maintain a positive mindset as their bodies undergo changes.
https://www.insider.com/teenage-sons-strength-training-terrified-mom-2025-5The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has launched an initiative to promote positive affirmations in schools to support socio-emotional development and create a positive school culture. The board suggests using one to two affirmations daily, tailored to age-appropriate values such as empathy, courage, and self-worth. CBSE provided examples of affirmations during morning assemblies, including "I am always happy" and "I respect everyone." Schools are encouraged to customize their own affirmations and analyze the impact on students' emotional well-being, sharing feedback with the board to refine the program.
https://www.ndtv.com/education/cbse-directs-schools-to-include-daily-positive-affirmations-in-morning-assemblies-8372707#pfrom=home-ndtv_mainnavigationThe US Department of Education (DEA) aims to equip everyone with digital skills, technology, and capacity to fully benefit from the digital economy. The agency has allocated $60 million in funding to states' and territories' programs, including rural areas such as Indiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, and Kansas.
https://gizmodo.com/the-president-has-no-idea-what-hes-talking-about-trump-slams-the-digital-equity-act-as-racist-and-unconstitutional-2000600157The FIRE organization has expressed concerns over a new bill that could potentially harm regular people with its $100 minimum threshold for reporting misinformation on social media. The bill's language, which includes examples of "media" that may not accurately reflect reality, has raised First Amendment concerns. Sam Hooper, counsel for the Institute of Justice, warned that such measures could stifle political satire and parody, essential tools for American criticism of those in power.
https://gizmodo.com/texas-house-passes-bill-that-criminalizes-using-altered-media-in-political-ads-without-disclosure-2000599845