News
Schools warn parents about ‘harmful and disturbing’ TikTok video
SCHOOLS across Wales have been warning parents about a ‘harmful and disturbing’ video which has gone viral on social media platform TikTok.
The footage, of a man killing himself, which has been circulating on the platform for several days, originated on Facebook and has also been shared on Twitter and Instagram. It is now on TikTok.
Some schools have taken to social media themselves to warn parents and carers. The latest is Milford Haven Community Primary School.
The school said on their Facebook page: “It has come to our attention via the BBC news that there is some extremely disturbing and upsetting footage currently being streamed on social media outlets that children may have downloaded to their mobile devices.
“Whilst we are mindful of bringing attention to it, we know that many pupils use social media channels such as TikTok and there may be no warning to the video appearing on a feed.
“We just wanted to let parents and guardians know so that appropriate precautions could be put in place. Advice such as not viewing TikTok videos or deleting the app for 72 hours has been suggested while the app creators ensure the video is deleted and removed.
“We would also remind parents that it is extremely important they are aware of all the apps their children are using on mobile devices as all apps are vulnerable to misuse by adults and can be used in this way.”
A spokesperson for Facebook said: “We removed the original video from Facebook last month, on the day it was streamed, and have used automation technology to remove copies and uploads since that time.”
TikTok’s press office released a statement this week saying: “Our systems have been automatically detecting and flagging these clips for violating our policies against content that displays, praises, glorifies, or promotes suicide,” a representative said.
“We appreciate our community members who’ve reported content and warned others against watching, engaging or sharing such videos on any platform, out of respect for the person and their family.”
It is reported that some users are sharing the video, disguised behind images of kittens or other content. Others have put together their own videos warning about the content and urging people to delete it.
TikTok’s algorithms often recommend content from people not directly followed by a user.
Several people have streamed their suicides on Facebook Live since its 2015 launch.
Facebook, which owns Instagram, has also faced criticism that the platform shares content sensationalising self-harm and suicide.
News
Grieving family’s aim to protect young drivers in memory of daughter
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Road Safety Team have worked in partnership with the family of a young woman killed in a road traffic collision to launch an intervention for young drivers in our County and beyond.
Ella Bee’s Story aims to prevent further deaths on the road, particularly among the 17 to 25-year-old age group, and concentrates on the Fatal 5, peer pressure, driver behaviour and how to reduce the risks both as a driver and passenger.
Twenty-one year-old Ella Smith was killed in a road traffic collision on the Broad Haven road in 2021 and her family are bravely telling their story of the night it happened and the aftermath of losing Ella.
Two drivers involved in the collision were jailed for ten years each having been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The intervention was launched recently and will be available to all schools and young peoples’ groups in the County, along with Pembrokeshire College.
The Road Safety Team worked closely with the family to put together the intervention which includes the production of two videos that can help educate all young drivers, and any adults with young drivers in the family.
Following the launch Ella’s mother Maria said: “We as a family and Ella’s best friends have worked tirelessly with Pembrokeshire County Council to produce a presentation on road safety to be delivered to schools, colleges and youth groups to educate young drivers on the devastating impact that losing Ella has had on us all.
“Ella your legacy will live on and you will forever be remembered for helping others even now.”
Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “The launch of Ella Bee’s Story was incredible moving. Ella’s family has been incredibly brave in their determination to ensure her tragic death is not in vain and this project will help other young drivers stay safe on our roads.”
For further information about how your school or youth group can access Ella Bee’s Story please email [email protected]
News
Storage container fire in Newcastle Emlyn
AT11:48am on Friday (Jan 24), Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Llandysul and Carmarthen fire stations were called to a fire in Capel Iwan, Newcastle Emlyn.
The fire involved a 40-foot by 8-foot storage container and was confined to a generator inside. Firefighters used a hose reel jet, two breathing apparatus sets, a thermal imaging camera, and a positive pressure ventilation fan to extinguish the blaze.
Crews remained on site to dampen down the area before departing at 12:57pm.
Crime
Pembrokeshire man accused of assault and perverting justice remanded in custody
A PEMBROKESHIRE man accused of assaulting a woman has been remanded in custody after allegedly offering her money to drop the charges.
Lohan Chapman, 19, of Primrose Close, Neyland, is accused of intentionally strangling a female during an alleged incident in Milford Haven on August 1, 2024, and of assaulting her by beating. He denies both charges.
This week, Haverfordwest Magistrates Court heard that Chapman was remanded in custody on January 18 after being accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice by offering his alleged victim an undisclosed sum of money to withdraw the charges.
District Judge Mark Layton declined jurisdiction in all three matters.
Chapman, who appeared via video link from Swansea Prison, will now face trial at Swansea Crown Court on February 17.
He was remanded in custody pending his appearance.
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