Latest news with #SesameWorkshop
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Takalani Sesame celebrates 25 years of educational impact in South Africa
For the past 25 years, Takalani Sesame has been a trusted companion to millions of South African children, sparking joy and encouraging curiosity and lifelong learning. Image: Supplied For the past 25 years, Takalani Sesame has delighted millions of South African children, becoming a cherished source of education and joy. The non-profit organisation behind this beloved television show, Sesame Workshop South Africa, is taking a bold step into the future as it celebrates a quarter-century of impactful programming. This year, they are forging a new partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) aimed at enhancing early childhood development (ECD) registration nationwide. As part of the Bana Pele (Putting Children First) campaign, this collaboration seeks to drive awareness and support for early education, health, and well-being. With over 7 million viewers and an embrace from 95% of households with young children, Takalani Sesame has been a transformative force in the realm of early childhood education, making topics like inclusion, health, and well-being resonate across the national conversation. 'For 25 years, Takalani Sesame has stood for smarter, stronger, and kinder children,' said Dr Onyinye Nwaneri, Managing Director of Sesame Workshop South Africa. This milestone is not merely a celebration; it's a clarion call to deepen their impact in collaboration with the DBE. The importance of this partnership embodies the philosophy that investing in children today will yield a more robust, successful nation tomorrow. The Bana Pele campaign strongly encourages parents and guardians to register their local ECD centres with the DBE. Not only is registration free, but it also opens avenues for vital government support, including a recently announced R10 billion funding initiative aimed at enhancing the ECD subsidy. This investment aims to widen access for underprivileged children, ensuring they experience high-quality early learning in safe environments. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: 'Children are South Africa's greatest assets, and this collaboration aligns with our vision to put our youngest citizens first.' The registration process will help secure brighter futures for the nation's children, thereby addressing a crucial national imperative. Dr Nwaneri elaborates on the broader implications of supporting early childhood development: 'ECD is not just about education; it lays the groundwork for lifelong health, learning, and overall well-being.' Ultimately, investing in quality early learning fosters skills development and stimulates job creation, paving the way for a more inclusive economy and nurturing South Africa's long-term prosperity. The Bana Pele registration drive asserts that ensuring access to learning goes hand in hand with the enhancement of safety and quality through a transparent compliance process. Early childhood development centres will be empowered to advance their standards, moving from Bronze to Silver and Gold accreditation levels, with continuous support from government and partners like Sesame Workshop. 'This campaign is about much more than just celebrating 25 years of success; it's also a call to action to the nation,' Dr Nwaneri emphasised. 'Everyone has a role to play in ensuring every child has the opportunity to be the best they can be.'
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Roblox Launches New Learning Hub to Engage Students Through Play
SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Roblox Corporation (NYSE: RBLX), an immersive gaming and creation platform, today announced that its new Learning Hub is now available to all users looking to access dozens of engaging educational experiences from leading educational providers and Roblox creators. Whether it's sharpening online safety skills in Google Be Internet Awesome World, boosting vocabulary through Words of Power by Mrs. Wordsmith, or competing in the Math Tower Race by TeamRy—learners can naturally pick up valuable lessons through play and share them with their friends. Users will also soon be able to put their geography skills to the test in a new British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Bitesize experience called Planet Planners. The experience, created by the BBC's renowned study support service and built by Playerthree, is designed for students aged 11 to 14. It will offer a new way for users to learn about some of the world's most pressing challenges—from preparing for natural disasters to managing large cities—and be mapped to national curricula in the UK and K-12 standards in the U.S. Roblox's Learning Hub points users to interactive and collaborative learning experiences across a broad range of topics, from life skills and brain games to more traditional school subjects like arts, computer science, and math. For educators and parents, this curated collection of experiences and games offers a way to focus avid Roblox fans on learning while playing during this summer break and beyond. 'Our new Learning Hub becomes available just as many students around the world are out of school for summer break,' said Rebecca Kantar, Head of Education at Roblox. 'Whether students are looking to try building a game for the first time or to practice skills they'll need again for the fall, our Learning Hub serves as a convenient front door. We aim to give more and more Roblox users globally access to subject- and grade-level-appropriate content that will ignite their genuine interest in learning.' Sesame Workshop, the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street and creator of the STEM-focused Sesame Street Mecha Builders on Roblox (featured in the Learning Hub), has already garnered 70 million visits to its engaging educational game. Sesame Workshop's Senior Vice President of Marketing, Aaron Bisman, said, 'Roblox has built a vibrant global community where creativity, learning, and collaboration thrive. We're excited to be part of the new Learning Hub, where friends and fans can explore STEM and other valuable skills through immersive experiences like ours.' Oonagh Jaquest, Executive Producer, BBC Bitesize, BBC Education, said, 'BBC Bitesize is committed to offering world-class educational experiences to all learners, and game-based learning is a great way for students to engage with complex subject content while developing skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. The Roblox team has worked collaboratively with us to develop a really rich experience, which lets young people explore diverse locations around the world, see their decisions play out tangibly in the environment, and even play as class groups.' Here are nine examples of educational games and experiences from the Learning Hub to try at home or in summer camps as a start: Domain Rangers: Understand vibrant marine ecosystems and their effects on the ocean's future through immersive adventures with friends. Ecos: La Brea: Experience what the planet looked like long ago and how animals survived during the time of the dinosaurs. Google Be Internet Awesome World: Learn online safety lessons through action-packed games, from spotting phishing scams to creating strong passwords and being mindful when sharing information online. Lua Learning: Master the popular coding language Lua on Roblox by using an in-game script editor, tailored curriculum, and safe sandboxed code execution in a hands-on environment. Math Tower Race: Boost and show off your math skills when speed is of the essence to win the game's races. Mission: Mars: Explore the rough and rugged Red Planet on a mission assigned in the Museum of Science's educational experience. Sesame Street Mecha Builders: Work through a series of challenging and fun STEM-focused puzzles using different Mecha tools to help solve problems. Studio Lite: Learn game development with easy tutorials to help build, script, and publish amazing games on Roblox. Words of Power: Improve communication and boost vocabulary skills by using words in a fast-paced action role-playing game while strengthening emotional literacy. Visit the Learning Hub via the More tab and look for the Learn icon in the Roblox desktop and mobile apps. For press kit click here. About Roblox Roblox is an immersive gaming and creation platform that offers people millions of ways to be together, inviting its community to explore, create, and share endless unique experiences. Roblox's vision is to reimagine the way people come together—in a world that's safe, civil, and optimistic. To achieve this vision, Roblox is building an innovative company that, together with the community, has the ability to strengthen the social fabric and support economic growth for people around the world. For more about Roblox, please visit ROBLOX and the Roblox logo are among the registered and unregistered trademarks of Roblox Corporation in the United States and other countries. © 2025 Roblox Corporation. All rights reserved.
Fox News
4 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Elmo hack exposes serious social media cybersecurity threats
As you scroll through X (formerly Twitter), you might come across Elmo, the lovable red monster cherished by children and parents, sharing cheerful, family-friendly content. However, recently, the official Elmo account had suddenly posted hate speech, racist slurs and political attacks. This shocking breach transformed a beloved feed into a source of confusion and pain. Sesame Workshop, the team behind Elmo, acted swiftly to remove the offensive posts, but for millions of fans, the damage had already been done. This was far more than a typical hack. It represented the digital defacement of one of the world's most trusted childhood icons. This incident underscores that in today's cyber landscape, no account, not even the most seemingly secure one, is immune to attackers. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Hackers crave reach and attention, and few targets offer more than a beloved global brand. When attackers seize control of an account with hundreds of thousands of followers, they gain immediate access to amplify their message, whether it be misinformation, hate speech or targeted harassment. The Elmo incident wasn't about stealing data or ransoming accounts; this was about causing chaos, sowing division and breaking trust. For years, Elmo's online voice was synonymous with joy and support. With a single breach, that reputation was battered, as followers questioned how such ugliness could appear from a character so trusted. Brand reputation, built over decades, was compromised in minutes. As Sesame Workshop stated in response, "Elmo's X account was briefly hacked by an outside party in spite of the security measures in place. We strongly condemn the abhorrent antisemitic and racist content, and the account has since been secured. These posts in no way reflect the values of Sesame Workshop or Sesame Street, and no one at the organization was involved." This incident underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, especially when trusted brands serve as platforms for millions worldwide. To better understand what happened, we turned to Daniel Tobok, CEO of Cypfer, a leading global cybersecurity and incident response firm. Daniel has spent over 30 years guiding organizations through major cyber events. "Unfortunately, a lot of credentials are harvested and sold on the dark web between different threat actor groups despite strong passwords or MFA barriers. Maybe someone lost their password or an administrator had theirs saved on a laptop that was part of another breach. Once those passwords are collected, they get traded or sold," Daniel explained. While brute-force attacks still happen, most criminals don't waste time hammering away at complex passwords. Instead, they exploit simpler routes: snatching passwords from old breaches, targeting users directly or hijacking password vaults, especially those managed by social media admins. "Brute-force attacks make a lot of noise and can trigger alerts. It's not the most popular strategy anymore because it's so noisy," Tobok adds. Unfortunately, you might not get a warning that your account is being targeted. Tobok points out, "There really isn't public-facing software that notifies you. Sometimes, you might get an email saying, 'We noticed unusual activity. Was this you?' That typically comes through MFA channels. But most executives don't manage their own social media accounts. It's usually someone on their team or a designated admin. So, if something goes wrong, they're not necessarily the ones who will see it." Hackers can even set up rules that reroute security notifications away from your inbox, leaving you completely unaware that anything's wrong, until it's too late. Hackers are counting on you to get complacent. Daniel calls out pitfalls to avoid: Most alarmingly, Daniel added, "Most people's information has already been compromised at some point. There are over 4.8 billion passwords circulating on the dark web right now. And, finally, never reuse the same password across multiple platforms. I know it's tedious, but that's what proper hygiene looks like." Act fast. Here's Daniel's step-by-step plan: "If you still have access, change your password right away. Most threat actors, once they're in, will immediately change the password and the email linked to the account so they can take full control. If you're locked out, you need to contact the platform and provide proof that it's your account. Request that they shut it down or help you recover it. The good news is, most platforms will act quickly, especially if you tell them someone is posting offensive or racist content from your account." Protecting your social media accounts is more important than ever. Follow these steps to strengthen your cybersecurity and keep hackers out: Create passwords with at least nine characters, mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols. Never reuse passwords across platforms, and update them regularly for maximum protection. Consider using a password manager, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse. Also, use a password manager instead of sending passwords through unencrypted messages. Password managers allow you to share credentials when absolutely necessary and help prevent leaks securely. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Always activate MFA to add an extra layer of login protection. This makes it much harder for unauthorized users to gain access, even if your password is compromised. Take advantage of account alerts and limit unsuccessful login attempts to detect intruders quickly. Regularly review these alerts so you can respond immediately if something looks off. Apply for official account verification when possible to add an extra safeguard and make recovery easier. Verification can also deter impersonation and build trust with your audience. Check and keep your recovery email and phone number current to regain access if needed. Outdated information could lock you out just when you need to recover your account the most. Remove apps or services you no longer use; these can become weak points if they are compromised. Regularly audit connected apps to ensure your data isn't exposed through unused integrations. Use platform features or trusted tools to back up important data in case of account loss or lockout. This simple step can be a lifesaver if you ever lose access or your data is accidentally deleted. Install strong antivirus software on all devices used to access social media. Regular updates and real-time scanning protect you from malware and phishing that could compromise your accounts. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Reduce your digital footprint and minimize risk by using services that remove your personal information from data brokers and people search sites, especially after a breach. These services make it harder for criminals to gather sensitive data used in social engineering attacks. While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren't cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It's what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Periodically review your social media privacy and security settings to ensure they match your current needs. Platforms often add new settings and features, and staying up to date gives you the best protection. Avoid logging into accounts on public Wi-Fi or always use a VPN. Public networks make it easier for hackers to intercept your information. For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Regularly audit account access and revoke permissions for anyone who no longer needs it. This ensures that only trusted individuals can post or make changes on your behalf. The Elmo hack shattered more than just a cheerful digital persona. It reminded us that no brand, no matter how trusted, is immune to today's cyber threats. In an environment where trust is built tweet by tweet and lost in mere moments, protecting our digital presence has never been more urgent. Social media security is everyone's responsibility. Take action before you become the next viral lesson in what not to do. Do you think social media companies are doing enough to protect users and brands from evolving cybersecurity threats? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide -—free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sesame Street responds to Elmo's X account posting vile antisemitic and racist content
Sesame Workshop has again addressed the embarrassing hack it suffered on Monday when a hacker accessed the Elmo account and posted a series of shocking posts targeting Jewish people and trolling President Donald Trump. 'On Sunday, Elmo's X account was briefly hacked by an outside party, in spite of the security measures in place,' read a tweet from the Sesame Workshop. The statement continued, 'We strongly condemn the abhorrent antisemitic and racist content, and the account has since been secured. 'These posts in no way reflect the values of Sesame Workshop or Sesame Street, and no one at the organization was involved.' A spokesperson for Sesame Workshop previously confirmed the digital security breach to Daily Mail on Sunday evening. 'Elmo's X account was compromised today by an unknown hacker who posted disgusting messages, including antisemitic and racist posts,' the rep said. 'We are working to restore full control of the account.' Following the post from the Sesame Workshop, a number of followers on the platform peppered in responses that ranged from jokes to troubleshooting. 'I don't believe you were hacked,' said one user. 'I think the real Elmo came out.' Another user wryly chimed in, 'Big Bird's silence on this issue has been deafening.' One user went on a long rant at the character, saying, 'Elmo, I've been crying and throwing up ever since you posted those very hateful things. 'The truth of it is you were a role model to me growing up and because of that I would always tickle you whenever you asked. The statement ended, 'After what happened on Sunday I was forced to throw you in the dumpster out back my local Chili's and will no longer be having you in my life. Goodbye old friend.' Multiple users rejected Sesame Workshop's denial anyone from their side was involved. 'Sesame workshop has become beyond woke and I guarantee it was someone internal,' one user said. 'If I allowed some sort of breach like this at my job, I would be fired. @SesameWorkshop take accountability. The user said the late Sesame Street founder Jim Henson 'would be horrified' at the lack of accountability in the wake of the humiliating security breach. Another added: 'Serious question. Is anyone ever hacked by an "inside party?" Your inability to apologize MUCH SOONER is weak. But most concerning is that no one believes you were hacked. 'We believe you have an employee who did this intentionally but you haven't explained this because then, of course, we'd all want to know who did it and then expect them to be fired, etc. 'See, the longer you all don't provide details, the more the pressure grows to know more.' The account for Elmo, under the handle @elmo, has more than 639,800 followers, and has been on the platform since November of 2012. 'Elmo lives on Sesame Street and was told to tell you that Elmo is official!' a bio line on the social media page read. On Sunday, it was clear the account had been commandeered by rogue actors, as a series of messages posted called for violence against Jewish people. The post repeated a series of antisemitic tropes and called for harm against Jewish people. The post also took aim at the president, saying, ' DONALD TRUMP IS NETANYAHU'S PUPPET BECAUSE HE IS IN THE EPSTEIN FILE.' One message tagged in President Donald Trump that read: 'RELEASE THE FILES @readDonaldTrump' along with an offensive term directed at Trump. The hacker also peppered in more sharp responses to people who condemned the racist prank. When one person expressed their frustration with the posts from the account, a profane response used a racial epithet aimed at Black people. When another person said they were going to mute Elmo, a response from the Elmo account contained a transphobic slur. The unlikely hack and subsequent shock messages led for Elmo to become a trending topic on the platform, with a number of different takes on the incident. 'Hacking the official Elmo account gotta be one of the most diabolical things this app has ever seen,' one response read. The account for Elmo, under the handle @elmo, has more than 639,800 followers, and has been on the platform since November of 2012 One social media user said that the incident provided an insight into how deeply antisemitism is embedded in some people A few people made reference to rapper Kanye West's history of antisemitic X posts, which he has since distanced himself from. 'Kanye and Elmo should collab sometime,' one user said, while another asked, 'Who let Kanye on Elmo's account?' One user posted a long-circulating meme of the Sesame Street character standing in front of flames to aptly summarize the situation with the hacker. One social media user said that the incident provided an insight into how deeply antisemitism is embedded in some people. 'This is a real tweet from the Elmo X account. It has since been deleted,' said the user. 'We're dealing with depraved immoral sociopaths who target even a beloved children's character in order to incite violence and hate against Jews.'
Los Angeles Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Elmo returns to his wholesome self, promoting love instead of racism and Epstein claims
Elmo's everlasting mission of kindness and all things wholesome is back in full swing, days after the puppet's official X account platformed racist and antisemitic remarks, and popular claims about the sex-trafficking investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. 'Thank you for being kind to Elmo and all the people in your neighborhood,' the iconic 'Sesame Street' furball tweeted Tuesday. 'Elmo loves you.' Earlier this week, the permanently 3½-year-old mascot shocked followers when he posted numerous hateful tweets, including those threatening violence against the Jewish community and others demanding that President Trump release Epstein's purported 'client list.' In the series of since-deleted posts, Elmo dubbed Trump a 'puppet' for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and alleged the president was involved in Epstein's sex-trafficking operation. The tweets, obviously out of line with Elmo's regular playful programming on social media, naturally went viral as users circulated screenshots of the disturbing posts. 'The Daily Show' and host Jon Stewart also had their fun with Elmo's uncharacteristic tweets, creating a segment that generated more out-of-pocket takes for the normally innocuous puppet. Amid the online buzz, the 'Sesame Street' organization Sesame Workshop alleged in a statement that Elmo's X account was 'compromised by an unknown hacker' and condemned the 'disgusting messages.' A spokesperson for X told The Times that it could not comment 'on the specifics of individual accounts,' adding that it encourages all users to 'leverage the security methods' outlined in its help center page. While X did not confirm the takeover of Elmo's account, the alleged hacker left a link — that has since been deleted — on the character's page directing followers to a user's Telegram channel. On Telegram, the user appears to take credit for the hack and also shared a message praising Adolf Hitler and Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West. In a Tuesday statement shared to Elmo's X account, Sesame Workshop doubled down on its allegations that a hacker was behind the disturbing tweets 'in spite of the security measures in place.' Sesame Workshop echoed disapproval of the 'abhorrent' posts and assured fans it has since regained control of Elmo's account. Sesame Workshop added: 'These posts in no way reflect the values of Sesame Workshop or Sesame Street, and no one at the organization was involved.'
