Latest news with #niños
Telegraph
08-07-2025
- Telegraph
97pc of under-18s in Spain have been victims of sexual abuse
Ninety-seven per cent of children in Spain have been the victims of some form of sexual abuse, according to a report by Save the Children. The report, based on interviews with 1,000 young people between the ages of 18 and 21, highlighted both the scale of abuse and the lack of children's awareness of online dangers. Of those questioned, 33 per cent said that during their childhood they had been contacted online by an adult with sexual intent, and 38 per cent said they had received sexual comments or images without their consent. The study also found that one in five of the respondents had experienced a situation in which AI-created 'deepfake' images depicting them naked had been shared with their peers. These 'deepfake' images were used as a form of bullying among children, and also by adult sexual predators as a way to blackmail victims, the report explained. Almost 70 per cent, however, said they did not perceive any risk from AI-generated photos or videos. Victim felt 'it was her fault' Lucía López, a Save the Children educator in Alicante, in the south-east of Spain, described a case in which a 12-year-old girl was threatened by an adult who told her that if she did not send an intimate photo of herself, he would publish naked photos of her created using AI. 'The girl claimed she had never forwarded photos of herself with that type of content, but she felt she had caused the situation and that it was her fault,' Ms López said. According to the latest official data from Spain's interior ministry, the police received 4,896 reports of cyber crimes against children and adolescents in 2023, of which 1,068 were sexual offences. 'These figures represent only the tip of the iceberg, as most cases go unreported, partly due to the lack of reporting and partly due to the difficulties in detection, which increase when these incidents occur online,' said Catalina Perazzo, a social impact director at Save the Children.
Medscape
11-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Latin America Must Pay More Attention to Zero-Dose Children
The United Nations Children's Fund has reported that approximately 2.7 million children younger than 1 year in Latin America have incomplete vaccination schedules. Even more concerning is the high number of 'zero-dose' children — those who have never been taken to a vaccination center at all. Due to the risks this population faces, experts from the Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases are calling for increased regional attention in an article published in the journal F1000Research . 'This article is relevant because discussions around vaccination often focus solely on coverage, which may appear high, while overlooking a significant proportion of children who haven't received a single vaccine. This creates a serious risk for them, which is why it's essential to identify and prioritize them for vaccination,' said María Ávila Agüero, MD, pediatric infectious disease specialist, article author, former Minister of Health of Costa Rica, and current head of Infectious Diseases at Carlos Sáenz Herrera National Children's Hospital in San José, Costa Rica. Operationally, zero-dose children are defined as those who have never received even a first dose of a vaccine containing diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis components. The article includes a series of recommendations for improving outreach to this population, based on discussions from a symposium organized by the medical society in late 2023 in Costa Rica. Latin America lacks precise data on zero-dose populations, though between 2021 and 2022, the Americas saw a 14% reduction in their number — from 1.85 million to 1.31 million. Globally, Mexico and Brazil were among the 20 countries with the highest number of zero-dose children during that period. In 2023, regional coverage for the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine reached 89%. However, there are wide disparities between countries: From 65% in Venezuela to 99% in the Dominican Republic, Chile, Cuba, Costa Rica, and others. COVID Disrupted Vaccine Programs 'The COVID-19 pandemic changed everything, as resources were redirected to control it, which affected other programs — including vaccination and health education,' Ávila Agüero noted. 'Although recovery is underway, it's uneven and depends heavily on the strength of each country's health ministry and public policies.' Aurora Bautista Márquez, MD, a pediatrician with extensive public health experience and former head of the Comprehensive Child Development Division at the Mexican Social Security Institute, who did not contribute to the article, commented: 'This article is both interesting and important because it reminds us of a persistent and concerning issue in the region.' 'There is a constant risk of the reemergence or outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases,' she emphasized. She also agreed that the pandemic significantly affected vaccination coverage: 'At the start of the pandemic, basic vaccination coverage among children under 5 dropped sharply, as many parents avoided taking their children to health centers for fear of SARS-CoV-2 infection.' With the rollout of COVID vaccines, attendance at vaccination centers improved, and so did coverage rates. 'I find the data in this article very helpful, as they allow us to understand the scale of the problem in each country,' added Bautista Márquez. How to Reach Zero-Dose Children The article stressed the importance of identifying and characterizing the issue in each country. Understanding who the zero-dose children are, where they live, and why they haven't been reached is essential. With these insights, countries can tailor approaches and implement effective, sustainable interventions. In some areas, vaccine supply shortages complicate efforts. In others, access is hindered by distrust, poverty, low socioeconomic status, discrimination, or religious beliefs. To address the problem, the authors prioritized the need for better nominal electronic vaccination records across the region. These digital tools allow for tracking vaccine data, optimizing supply distribution, and facilitating the rollout of timely, effective strategies. Bautista Márquez agreed: 'In my opinion, the most cost-effective strategy is undoubtedly the creation of nominal systems to accurately track the vaccination status of children.' Another major point raised was the need to strengthen communication about the benefits of vaccination. Public trust in vaccines — damaged during the COVID pandemic — is a key factor in acceptance. To rebuild that trust, the article calls for evidence-based information campaigns involving community leaders, religious groups, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders. 'Involvement of healthcare workers in shaping public perception of vaccination and education about vaccines play a major role and can help prevent vaccine hesitancy,' the study authors wrote. On this point, Ávila Agüero urged Latin American physicians not to miss any opportunity to vaccinate. She emphasized the importance of reviewing vaccination cards, approaching families with empathy and respect, addressing concerns, and not minimizing fears. Bautista Márquez added that healthcare professionals must also be well-informed about vaccine contraindications, as a lack of knowledge can lead to many missed opportunities. Political Will Is Essential Tackling inequities and ensuring that vaccination programs are equitable and reach all children — regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or geography — is a pressing task for policymakers in the region. Vaccines must be readily available and accessible to all children, including those in remote or underserved areas and among migrant populations. The article highlights solutions such as mobile vaccination units, extended clinic hours, and outreach programs that target marginalized communities. Bautista Márquez noted that while many of the strategies discussed are already being implemented, basic issues — like untimely vaccine supply — have resulted in many children in Mexico being unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated. 'We shouldn't wait for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. That's unacceptable. Measures must be taken to prevent vaccine shortages. Investment is also needed in training and information systems to better track childhood immunization schedules across the region,' she said. Ávila Agüero underscored the importance of political will in Latin America to mobilize resources and ensure equitable access to vaccination services. 'The article expresses concern but also support for the region's health ministries. It issues a call to action at a time of heightened epidemiological risk,' she concluded. All authors, along with Bautista Márquez and Ávila Agüero, declared having no relevant financial conflicts of interest.
Associated Press
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Spanish the Fun Way Academy: Revolutionizing Language Learning for Kids Worldwide
Spanish the Fun Way Academy offers an innovative and engaging way for kids to learn Spanish with a curriculum designed for all ages and proficiency levels. United States, May 17, 2025 -- Introduction to Spanish the Fun Way Academy In today's interconnected world, learning Spanish has never been more valuable, and Spanish the Fun Way Academy is leading the charge in making Spanish language education both enjoyable and accessible to children globally. The academy, founded by Susana Lezcano, offers online classes for children ranging from preschool to high school, ensuring that every learner, regardless of their background or age, has an opportunity to master Spanish in a fun, interactive, and educational environment. A Global Vision for Spanish Learning At Spanish the Fun Way Academy, the focus is on teaching Global Spanish—a neutral version of the language that is understood worldwide. This approach avoids regional dialects, ensuring that students can communicate effectively with Spanish speakers across the globe. From vocabulary and grammar to conversational skills, each lesson is designed to be engaging and adaptable, making the language accessible to learners from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The curriculum is built around the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), catering to all proficiency levels, from A1 to C2. This ensures that whether a child is just beginning their Spanish journey or looking to refine their skills, there's a class suited to their needs. The academy also provides ESL-friendly lessons, making Spanish learning possible for children from all language backgrounds. Expertise Behind the Curriculum Spanish the Fun Way Academy stands out not only for its engaging and interactive curriculum but also for the quality of its teachers. Each class is taught by certified native Spanish-speaking educators who bring with them not only language proficiency but also a passion for teaching. With over 10 years of experience teaching children online, the academy's educators are trained to create a dynamic learning environment that captivates students' attention and keeps them motivated. 'Our mission is to create a space where children don't just learn Spanish—they fall in love with it,' said Susana Lezcano, the academy's founder. 'From a very young age, I fell in love with the beauty of the Spanish language. Teaching Spanish isn't just my job—it's my calling. I wanted to create a space where children could learn Spanish in a way that's fun, interactive, and globally relevant.' A Track Record of Success Since its inception, Spanish the Fun Way Academy has grown exponentially, with over 5,000 students worldwide. In just one year on the Outschool platform, Susana was fully booked, teaching eight hours a day, a clear testament to the effectiveness and popularity of the academy's methods. The academy's success has continued, with more than 1,500 active learners and a proven revenue growth of 2x annually. Its commitment to excellence is reflected in its 4.8-star reviews and high customer retention rate—80% of revenue comes from repeat customers. 'Spanish the Fun Way isn't just about learning a language, it's about creating global citizens,' said Susana. 'We want our students to feel empowered to communicate, not just with other Spanish speakers, but with the world.' Why Parents Choose Spanish the Fun Way Parents are drawn to Spanish the Fun Way Academy not only for its expert teachers but also for the academy's commitment to creating personalized learning experiences for each child. Every lesson is tailored to meet the individual needs of students, with regular updates provided to parents about their child's progress. The academy's flexible scheduling across various time zones ensures that families around the world have access to high-quality education. 'Our teachers go the extra mile by messaging parents after each class to share their child's progress and achievements,' Susana added. 'We prioritize building relationships with our students and their families to create an environment of trust and engagement.' Student Success Stories One of the most touching stories of student success comes from Pedro, a young learner from Hong Kong. 'Spanish is easier to learn, and I'll be able to talk to more people because it's the official language of 20 countries!' said Pedro, highlighting how even young learners are recognizing the immense value of learning Spanish in today's globalized world. Exclusive Offers to Get Started Spanish the Fun Way Academy is offering several exclusive deals to help new students get started on their Spanish-learning journey. First-time users can save $20 on their first Outschool class with the code SPANISH20. Other offers include a $5 discount on any class using the code THEFUNWAY5, and a $14 weekday discount with the code THEFUN14. Families can also refer a friend to receive $10 off their next class. A Future-Focused Academy Looking ahead, Spanish the Fun Way Academy plans to expand even further, with aspirations for a physical academy in California and the development of more innovative resources like children's books designed to make Spanish learning even more enjoyable. With over 90 countries represented in the academy's student body, Spanish the Fun Way Academy is not just teaching a language—it's fostering cross-cultural connections that will last a lifetime. About Spanish the Fun Way Academy Founded by Susana Lezcano, Spanish the Fun Way Academy offers an engaging, interactive Spanish education for children of all ages. With over 10 years of teaching experience, Susana and her team of expert, certified native Spanish teachers provide a flexible, fun, and global approach to learning Spanish. The academy has taught more than 5,000 students worldwide and continues to grow, with a strong focus on accessibility and inclusivity for all learners. Media Contact Susana Lezcano, Founder Spanish the Fun Way Academy Email: [email protected] Contact Info: Name: Susana Lezcano Email: Send Email Organization: Spanish the Fun Way Academy Website: Release ID: 89160271 In the event of encountering any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies within the content shared in this press release, we kindly request that you immediately contact us at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team will be readily accessible to address your feedback within 8 hours and take appropriate measures to rectify any identified issues or facilitate press release takedowns. Ensuring accuracy and reliability are central to our commitment.
BBC News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Sinfonía por el Perú: Changing lives through music
What if picking up an instrument could change your life? That's exactly what's happening at Sinfonía por el Perú. Founded by world-famous tenor Juan Diego Flórez, this programme is giving thousands of kids from tough backgrounds a shot at something bigger, through music. Whether playing in an orchestra or jamming to traditional Peruvian tunes, they're finding confidence, community, and a whole new future.
