Latest news with #childDevelopment
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
How AI pales in the face of human intelligence and ingenuity
Gary Marcus is right to point out – as many of us have for years – that just scaling up compute size is not going to solve the problems of generative artificial intelligence (When billion-dollar AIs break down over puzzles a child can do, it's time to rethink the hype, 10 June). But he doesn't address the real reason why a child of seven can solve the Tower of Hanoi puzzle that broke the computers: we're embodied animals and we live in the world. All living things are born to explore, and we do so with all our senses, from birth. That gives us a model of the world and everything in it. We can infer general truths from a few instances, which no computer can do. A simple example: to teach a large language model 'cat', you have to show it tens of thousands of individual images of cats – being the way they are, they may be up a tree, in a box, or hiding in a roll of carpet. And even then, if it comes upon a cat playing with a bath plug, it may fail to recognise it as a cat. A human child can be shown two or three cats, and from interacting with them, it will recognise any cat as a cat, for life. Apart from anything else, this embodied, evolved intelligence makes us incredibly energy-efficient compared with a computer. The computers that drive an autonomous car use anything upwards of a kilowatt of energy, while a human driver runs on twentysomething watts of renewable power – and we don't need an extra bacon sandwich to remember a new route. At a time of climate emergency, the vast energy demands of this industry might perhaps lead us to recognise, and value, the extraordinary economy, versatility, plasticity, ingenuity and creativity of human intelligence – qualities that we all have simply by virtue of being HaymanAdvisory board member, Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy, Cambridge University • It comes as no surprise to me that Apple researchers have found 'fundamental limitations' in cutting-edge artificial intelligence models (Advanced AI suffers 'complete accuracy collapse' in face of complex problems, study finds, 9 June). AI in the form of large reasoning models or large language models (LLMs) are far from being able to 'reason'. This can be simply tested by asking ChatGPT or similar: 'If 9 plus 10 is 18 what is 18 less 10?' The response today was 8. Other times, I've found that it provided no definitive answer. This highlights that AI does not reason – currently, it is a combination of brute force and logic routines to essentially reduce the brute force approach. A term that should be given more publicity is ANI – artificial narrow intelligence, which describes systems like ChatGPT that are excellent at summarising pertinent information and rewording sentences, but are far from being able to reason. But note, the more times that LLMs are asked similar questions, the more likely it will provide a more reasonable response. Again, though, this is not reasoning, it is model TaylorMona Vale, New South Wales, Australia
Associated Press
5 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Compassion International Joins Africa in Commemorating Day of the African Child (DAC) 2025
Observed across the continent, DAC honors the rights, dignity and wellbeing of Africa's children Colorado Springs, Colorado--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2025) - Compassion International, a leading child development organization, proudly joins the African continent in commemorating the Day of the African Child (DAC) on June 16, 2025. This year's theme, 'Planning and Budgeting for Children's Rights: Progress Since 2010,' underscores the importance of intentional investment in the protection and development of Africa's children. The Day of the African Child, observed annually on June 16, honors the rights and dignity of children across the continent. It serves as a moment to reflect on the progress made in advancing children's rights and to confront the persistent challenges they face. Spearheaded by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), DAC 2025 invites governments, organizations, and communities to evaluate and strengthen their efforts to uphold children's rights through effective planning and budgeting. At the heart of Compassion International's mission is a steadfast belief that every child must be known, loved, and protected. This commitment aligns powerfully with the 2025 DAC theme. Through its child development programs, Compassion supports over 2.2 million children globally. In Africa, Compassion International currently operates in ten countries, partnering with local churches to serve nearly one million children. Together, we are committed to releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name by nurturing their holistic development and safeguarding their dignity. 'By participating in DAC 2025, Compassion International reaffirms that child protection is not merely a programmatic goal-it is a fundamental right for every child. The organization stands in solidarity with African governments, civil society, and communities in calling for sustained, strategic investment in the future of Africa's children.' Says Palamanga Ouali, Vice President of Africa Region at Compassion International. Compassion's work directly supports the DAC 2025 vision by: 'My dream for Burkina Faso children is for them to reach their full potential. I want to see that our rights are respected, and our voices are heard in decision making.' - Djamila, 10-year-old program participant from Centre-East Burkina Faso. In collaboration with our frontline church partners Compassion International has organized a range of activities including radio and TV talk shows, community dialogues, presentation of children's position papers to authorities, youth budget forums, participation in DAC 2025 commemoration event, art and poster exhibitions and child seminars among other events. [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] Children participate in a past Day of the African Child celebrations in Kenya To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: For more information about the Day of the African Child 2025, please visit About Compassion International Compassion International is a Christian child development organization dedicated to releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name. Founded in 1952, Compassion partners with more than 8,500 local churches in 29 program countries to deliver spiritual, economic, social, and physical care to over two million babies, children, and young adults in poverty. Ranked No. 12 in Forbes' America's Top Charities List in 2024, Compassion is a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and an accredited charity with the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance. For more information, visit or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. Media Contact: Daniel Kamau [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Globe and Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
Compassion International Joins Africa in Commemorating Day of the African Child (DAC) 2025
Observed across the continent, DAC honors the rights, dignity and wellbeing of Africa's children Colorado Springs, Colorado--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2025) - Compassion International, a leading child development organization, proudly joins the African continent in commemorating the Day of the African Child (DAC) on June 16, 2025. This year's theme, "Planning and Budgeting for Children's Rights: Progress Since 2010," underscores the importance of intentional investment in the protection and development of Africa's children. The Day of the African Child, observed annually on June 16, honors the rights and dignity of children across the continent. It serves as a moment to reflect on the progress made in advancing children's rights and to confront the persistent challenges they face. Spearheaded by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), DAC 2025 invites governments, organizations, and communities to evaluate and strengthen their efforts to uphold children's rights through effective planning and budgeting. At the heart of Compassion International's mission is a steadfast belief that every child must be known, loved, and protected. This commitment aligns powerfully with the 2025 DAC theme. Through its child development programs, Compassion supports over 2.2 million children globally. In Africa, Compassion International currently operates in ten countries, partnering with local churches to serve nearly one million children. Together, we are committed to releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name by nurturing their holistic development and safeguarding their dignity. " By participating in DAC 2025, Compassion International reaffirms that child protection is not merely a programmatic goal-it is a fundamental right for every child. The organization stands in solidarity with African governments, civil society, and communities in calling for sustained, strategic investment in the future of Africa's children." Says Palamanga Ouali, Vice President of Africa Region at Compassion International. Compassion's work directly supports the DAC 2025 vision by: Developing children holistically by nurturing their minds, bodies, and spirits. Prioritizing child protection -empowering children to recognize and report abuse, training caregivers and church partners, enforcing a global Code of Conduct, and safeguarding personal data. Ensuring financial integrity by maintaining transparency through regular audits and responsible fund allocation to maximize program impact. "My dream for Burkina Faso children is for them to reach their full potential. I want to see that our rights are respected, and our voices are heard in decision making." - Djamila, 10-year-old program participant from Centre-East Burkina Faso. In collaboration with our frontline church partners Compassion International has organized a range of activities including radio and TV talk shows, community dialogues, presentation of children's position papers to authorities, youth budget forums, participation in DAC 2025 commemoration event, art and poster exhibitions and child seminars among other events. Children participate in a past Day of the African Child celebrations in Kenya To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: For more information about the Day of the African Child 2025, please visit About Compassion International Compassion International is a Christian child development organization dedicated to releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name. Founded in 1952, Compassion partners with more than 8,500 local churches in 29 program countries to deliver spiritual, economic, social, and physical care to over two million babies, children, and young adults in poverty. Ranked No. 12 in Forbes' America's Top Charities List in 2024, Compassion is a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and an accredited charity with the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance. For more information, visit or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Compassion International Joins Africa in Commemorating Day of the African Child (DAC) 2025
Observed across the continent, DAC honors the rights, dignity and wellbeing of Africa's children Colorado Springs, Colorado--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2025) - Compassion International, a leading child development organization, proudly joins the African continent in commemorating the Day of the African Child (DAC) on June 16, 2025. This year's theme, "Planning and Budgeting for Children's Rights: Progress Since 2010," underscores the importance of intentional investment in the protection and development of Africa's children. The Day of the African Child, observed annually on June 16, honors the rights and dignity of children across the continent. It serves as a moment to reflect on the progress made in advancing children's rights and to confront the persistent challenges they face. Spearheaded by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), DAC 2025 invites governments, organizations, and communities to evaluate and strengthen their efforts to uphold children's rights through effective planning and budgeting. At the heart of Compassion International's mission is a steadfast belief that every child must be known, loved, and protected. This commitment aligns powerfully with the 2025 DAC theme. Through its child development programs, Compassion supports over 2.2 million children globally. In Africa, Compassion International currently operates in ten countries, partnering with local churches to serve nearly one million children. Together, we are committed to releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name by nurturing their holistic development and safeguarding their dignity. "By participating in DAC 2025, Compassion International reaffirms that child protection is not merely a programmatic goal-it is a fundamental right for every child. The organization stands in solidarity with African governments, civil society, and communities in calling for sustained, strategic investment in the future of Africa's children." Says Palamanga Ouali, Vice President of Africa Region at Compassion International. Compassion's work directly supports the DAC 2025 vision by: Developing children holistically by nurturing their minds, bodies, and spirits. Prioritizing child protection-empowering children to recognize and report abuse, training caregivers and church partners, enforcing a global Code of Conduct, and safeguarding personal data. Ensuring financial integrity by maintaining transparency through regular audits and responsible fund allocation to maximize program impact. "My dream for Burkina Faso children is for them to reach their full potential. I want to see that our rights are respected, and our voices are heard in decision making." - Djamila, 10-year-old program participant from Centre-East Burkina Faso. In collaboration with our frontline church partners Compassion International has organized a range of activities including radio and TV talk shows, community dialogues, presentation of children's position papers to authorities, youth budget forums, participation in DAC 2025 commemoration event, art and poster exhibitions and child seminars among other events. Children participate in a past Day of the African Child celebrations in Kenya To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: For more information about the Day of the African Child 2025, please visit About Compassion International Compassion International is a Christian child development organization dedicated to releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name. Founded in 1952, Compassion partners with more than 8,500 local churches in 29 program countries to deliver spiritual, economic, social, and physical care to over two million babies, children, and young adults in poverty. Ranked No. 12 in Forbes' America's Top Charities List in 2024, Compassion is a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and an accredited charity with the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance. For more information, visit or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. Media Contact:Daniel Kamaudkamau@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Times
Parent says no, stop the screen rot in schools
Bravo to the education committee for finally saying what we all know to be true: for young children, screens are like — and I'm paraphrasing here, but not by much — crack, in terms of rotting their brains and being ludicrously addictive. In its new report, 'Screen time: impacts on education and wellbeing', the committee concluded, 'The overwhelming weight of evidence submitted to us suggests that the harms of screen time and social media use significantly outweigh the benefits for young children.' In other words, it's not social media that's the problem. It's screens themselves. So, boy oh boy, that education committee will be really angry with whoever just made this decision: from September the national statutory tests for five-year-olds, the 'reception baseline assessment', will require at least two touchscreens — one for the teacher and one for the very young child (adult and child, side by side, both on screens, just as God intended.) Who on earth thought it was a good idea to test five-year-olds on tablets? Oh wait, it's written here in small letters, let me get my glasses …It was the Department for Education. Ah. By now, bodies ranging from the World Health Organisation to the NHS have published guidelines about screen time for young children. But these guidelines are arguably too little and definitely too late: a 2020 Ofcom report found that an astonishing 57 per cent of five- to seven-year-olds in Britain have a tablet. As a result of this large-scale outsourcing of parenting to screens, last week a coalition of schools, nurseries and colleges published a letter saying that children were now starting school with speech and emotional difficulties 'that are likely to have been exaggerated by or are even directly attributable to excessive screen time'. And yet the DfE has decided that those same screen-addicted kids should be tested on screens. And just to prove that too much screen time rots adults' brains too, I'm going to respond to this mess with an internet meme: DfE! Make! It! Make! Sense! • Schools issue parents with screen time limits from birth to age 16 So I emailed the department to ask — politely — what it was thinking. Why was it telling parents to give their kids less screen time while telling schools to give the kids more? Alas, to judge from the computer-says-no response I got, the DfE is now run by AI, which might explain its compulsion to test kids online: 'Digital assessments reduce the administrative burden on teachers, freeing up their time to focus more on teaching and supporting pupils' learning.' So young children will get to interact with teachers more by interacting with them less. Or something. Schools switched to digital learning during lockdown, and many found they enjoyed this easing of the 'administrative burden' so much, they never switched back. No surprise, given how much investment has been lavished on it: the UK-based primary school educational platform Atom Learning raised £19 million in 2021 and is now near ubiquitous. In April I wrote about the rise in primary schools of 'ed tech', aka education technology, aka teaching children via the medium of computer games, whizzy apps, tech portals and emojis. You don't need to be Mr Gradgrind to query the benefits of this gamification of education, teaching children from the age of five to expect lessons to be taught in ten-second bite-sized graphics. And we wonder why today's kids have such decimated attention spans. • Book holidays with bad wi-fi to get teens reading, says Winchester head Since then, I've heard some truly fascinating defences of education technology in primary schools. I was told that screens 'enrich students' learning experience', although when I asked if there was any proof of said enrichment, answer came there none. In fact, studies show that primary school kids experience what neuroscientists in one study describe as 'deeper reading' when learning from a paper text, whereas when they learn from a screen 'shallow reading was observed'. I was told that it's important to teach children how to use these devices for their future employment prospects, as though the devices weren't designed to be entirely intuitive, and addictive. And in any case, they will be utterly obsolete by the time these kids are in the workplace. Some argue that ed tech isn't social media, and that's true. But telling young children to do their school projects online is as ridiculous as telling them to do their homework in front of the TV: distraction is always a click away. And my personal favourite: 'The students really enjoy it.' They'd also enjoy eating sugar all day, so let's provide glucose on tap and see how that pans out. The one decent defence schools have for putting young kids on screens is that this is how they will increasingly be tested. Most GCSEs and A-levels will be online within a decade — so why not start them in primary school, seems to be the thinking. But five-year-olds are not 16-year-olds. One educator said to me breezily that this is simple 'market forces'. But schools — and certainly the DfE — should not be uncritical, passive consumers of tech. Mike Baxter, principal of City of London Academy, said last week, 'Over the past 20 years, schools and families have too often blindly trusted technology to aid and even enhance the education and wellbeing of our young people. However, the reality couldn't be further from this.' I have yet to meet anyone who can explain why it's better for children to write an essay online and upload it to Google Classroom than write one by hand in a notebook. If schools can't say how any of this benefits the pupils, they shouldn't do it. Computers aren't the only thing that can say no.
