Latest news with #AdamPowell
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The disappearance of online safe spaces for children
The earliest virtual world for children was created in 1999. Adam Powell and Donna Williams released Neopets with their original target as university students, yet its popularity soared among a much younger user base. Its brightly colored games, competitions, and ability to socialise with others made it particularly appealing. The golden age of children's online worlds Disney followed suit in 2003, releasing ToonTown online. Shortly after, 2005 saw the release of the iconic Club Penguin, as well as Webkins. Unlike Neopets, Club Penguin and Webkins were intentionally designed for children with colorful graphics, dress-up and customisation features, games, and prizes. They placed importance on internet safety, with reminders to keep your passwords safe and report bullies, as well as implementing safe chat features. Safe chat became a staple as curse words were automatically censored. The success of these sites ushered in a golden age for children's virtual worlds. Wizard 101, Pirate 101, Pop Tropica, Moshi Monsters, Roblox, and Bin Weevils all arrived in the following years, garnering enormous user bases. In 2007, Disney acquired Club Penguin, and in 2009, Sony released Free Realms, both of which helped push the virtual world genre into the mainstream. Brands that were even vaguely marketed towards children had virtual worlds, too. Coca-Cola had 'MyCoke' in which you could earn in-game currency by drinking virtual cokes. An emphasis on safety Despite a rise in expensive memberships, these virtual worlds offered fun and safe environments for children on the internet to play games, dress up, and chat with other people their own age in a monitored environment. Messaging around online safety was targeted to both children and their parents. Often, sites took time to educate parents on the potential dangers their child might face, and how to check in with them, making internet safety a collaborative project between parents and children. The overtake of social media As social media became more popular, the virtual worlds began to fall. Disney shut down ToonTown and Pixie Hollow in 2013. This was put down to a shift in development to focus on mobile apps. Sony's Free Realms shut down in 2014. Panfu, Moshi Monsters, Pirate 101, and, most notably, Club Penguin, all shut down in the 2010s. As subscription numbers dropped off, virtual worlds became too expensive to run, and it became more profitable for brands to target children through influencer marketing and online ad campaigns on social media, rather than spending millions of dollars on dedicated virtual worlds. Websites have consequently transformed, as can be seen on the web design museum website, a treasure trove of sites from the 90s onwards. used to have games, quizzes, and message boards. Now, the website has a few shows to click on and mostly directs users to a subscription to Paramount Plus. Many other sites are similar. for example, was filled with games and printable activities, while now it simply redirects users to a Disney+ subscription or holidays to the resorts. The future of children's spaces online For children, the internet of 2025 looks bleak. Dedicated spaces for them are few and far between, and their easy access to social media sites and apps like TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram is becoming increasingly more concerning. The contrast between what young children can access on these sites and the safer spaces that used to be available is stark. As opposed to being banned from Club Penguin for swearing or bullying, young people are now exposed to a range of harmful material, from pornography to suicide and self-harm content, discriminatory abuse, and hate speech. Governments are taking action Despite the virtual world boom of the 2000s being ultimately a money-grabbing exercise, they at least provided safe and sometimes educational spaces for young people's first foray onto the internet. Now, young people are bombarded with fast fashion hauls, supplements, and unnecessary anti-aging, multistep skincare routines. Governments are taking action, with the UK's Online Safety Act set to be fully implemented by 2026, as well as the Australian ban on under-16s from social media platforms. However, it does make you wonder if there is not a better way. It seems that the idea of creating child-friendly online spaces is falling by the wayside in favour of outright bans. "The disappearance of online safe spaces for children" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
TPH Academy Expands to Austin, Bringing Elite Academics & Athletics to The Crossover
AUSTIN, Texas, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TPH Academy is launching its newest location at The Crossover in Cedar Park, Texas, providing student-athletes with a premier academic and athletic development experience. This expansion offers a one-of-a-kind environment where students can excel in the classroom while training at elite levels in hockey, soccer, dance, figure skating, volleyball, and more. Families are invited to learn more at a Virtual Info Session on April 3 at 7:00 PM CT. Registration is required at At TPH Academy, student-athletes engage in a blended learning model that balances college-prep academics, elite training, and holistic development—including mental skills, nutrition, and injury prevention. The curriculum fosters discipline, leadership, and time management, ensuring students are prepared for college and beyond. Located within The Crossover, a 200,000-square-foot multi-sport complex, TPH Austin will join top-tier athletic partners like Müv Dance and Fitness, Lonestar Soccer Club, and Spike Frog Volleyball. The facility includes NHL-regulation ice rinks, volleyball courts, outdoor turf fields, batting cages, and a world-class dance studio, creating a cutting-edge training environment. "Welcoming TPH Academy strengthens our mission to offer top-tier training and education under one roof," said Adam Powell, General Manager of The Crossover. TPH Academy has a proven track record of developing high-achieving student-athletes, with notable alumni including NHLer Lane Hutson, Hockey East Rookie of the Year Cole Hutson, soccer standout Sasha Brewer (University of Miami commit), and NCAA All-American Kirsten Simms. "We are thrilled to bring TPH Academy to Austin," said Alan Keeso, CEO of TPH Academy. "The Crossover is the perfect setting for student-athletes to thrive without compromising their academics or athletic goals." For more information and to apply, visit About TPH Academy: TPH Academy is an academy-style, focused environment where dedicated student-athletes study, train, and play at their highest potential. TPH Academy's core purpose is to lead the world in the holistic development of student-athletes, advancing – in and beyond the game – the next generation of impact players. For more information about TPH Academy, please visit and check out the 2023-2024 TPH Academy Impact Report. Media Contact: Alan Keeso, CEO, akeeso@ Adam Ewing, VP of Academics, aewing@ Colleen Lynch, Manager of Marketing, clynch@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE TPH Academy
USA Today
05-02-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
UTEP issues memo on ICE protocols amid Trump's immigration actions
As immigration actions ramp up across the country, the University of Texas at El Paso is preparing faculty and staff for possible encounters on campus. A memo emailed to staff on Monday, Feb. 3, provided guidance "to help faculty and staff understand their responsibilities should they interact with (U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement) officers" on campus. The student population at UTEP is 84% Hispanic, according to the university's website, including 830 Mexican students. As of fall 2023, about 500 students from other countries were attending the university, according to UTEP's Center for Institutional Evaluation, Research and Planning. UTEP Assistant Vice President for Media Relations Nadia Whitehead confirmed in an email that no ICE agents have been seen on campus thus far but declined to comment on what prompted the memo or what concerns students might have. The memo stated that immigration officers are allowed to enter any public area on campus but entering non-public areas, such as classrooms or offices, could require a judicial warrant. If officers request access to non-public areas or university records, the memo advises UTEP staff to "stay calm and be respectful" and contact campus police or the university's legal affairs department. Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@
