In order to understand the information in this article, you should be made familiar with the term “data subject”, which is the person to whom the data belongs. The data subject has legal rights that say how a company is allowed to use your data – for example, your address and name.

In this instance, the data subject will be your family and we will explain what counts as personal data.  In 2021, this happened 1,243 times, up from 1,120 in 2020. This resulted in 5.13 billion pieces of information containing sensitive data being accessed by people who should not see them.

Here, we explain what a data breach means, who is responsible for protecting your family’s data, and what the best steps to take are if data involving my children has been “breached” (viewed by someone not allowed to see it).

Who protects my data?

In the UK, the organisation that protects your family’s rights concerning personal data is called the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

You may have heard of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which is the law that protects the data of European citizens. In the UK, the GDPR laws were largely copied and developed to protect our citizens. In UK law, this is known as the Data Protection Act 2018, and there are many similarities between them both.

The ICO states that anyone who handles personal data must follow a set of rules, which they call the “data protection principles.”

Any organisation that stores and uses personal data must make sure that the data is:

• Used lawfully, fairly and openly (which means telling you exactly how they use it)
• Used to reach goals clearly set out
• Accurate
• Not stored for longer than necessary
• Well-protected, by adopting security steps to prevent the chance of the data being lost, destroyed, or damaged

The ICO takes seriously the protection of the privacy of personal information relating to:

• Race
• Ethnicity
• Political beliefs
• Religion
• Union member position
• Biometrics
• Health
• Sexual orientation

What does an organisation have to do if they notice a data breach?

If an organisation notices a breach, by law it must tell the ICO within 72 hours on the ICO website.

The 72-hour time limit begins when the organisation first notices the breach, not when the breach actually occurred. If the ICO is not notified, there is very little chance the data will ever be recovered, meaning that it will be lost forever.

If you find out that there was a breach in an organisation that stores your family’s data, asking for expert help from solicitors who specialise in data breaches can make sure that the breach of your data is fully investigated and that the necessary steps were taken to react to the breach. Often, if the organisation was found to not have protected data well enough, or used someone’s personal data inappropriately, they may owe compensation to the data subject affected.

How can you prove that your data was used unfairly?

Proving that an organisation used your family’s data unfairly is possible. However, you can keep a log of the events surrounding the breach, as it could help to build your case that your data was used unfairly.

Keeping a log should include a timeline of the following:

• What happened to the data (for example, did you or your children send it to the organisation or fill in a form?)
• Who was involved in the data sharing?
• How did you find out the data was breached? (Did your child have a credit card?)
• What has been done since finding out?

The “data controller” – the organisation storing your family’s data – will also have to keep a similar log. If the ICO has a complete picture of the facts surrounding the breach, it can react better and more efficiently.

Contain the data breach

Finding out what happened to breached data is essential and can limit any spread. The data controller must follow security steps to protect anybody who could be exposed to future security breaches.

In some cases, you can also take action to minimise the damage of the breach. For example:

• If your family’s sensitive data was accidentally sent to someone, you can simply ask that they delete it or send it back safely.
• Trace your or your child’s steps to pinpoint where the breach began
• If you can remotely delete data or erase a device of its data, do so immediately.

Why you should know your rights

As a data subject, you should get in touch with the organisation that stores your family’s data directly if you believe it has been used unfairly or not kept secure, so they can respond appropriately. If you are unhappy with the business’s response or think that more should be done to respond to a breach, you should get in touch with the ICO.

Do I have a claim for damages following a data breach?

The organisation in charge of maintaining the data may be held liable and ordered to pay compensation. Usually, this involves the sharing of private information that is not already in the “public domain” (it is available to the public as a whole), such as sensitive financial or medical data.

The ICO has the authority to look into data breaches and try to identify the parties legally responsible. An ICO ruling that finds that the data controller unfairly used or stored data can result in the victim being paid compensation.

A data subject does not have to go through the ICO or wait for the results of its investigation to make a data breach compensation claim.

Often, organisations at fault for a breach might try to minimise their responsibilities to recover the data they have lost or share details of the breach. This is another reason why many families who are victims of a personal data breach find that getting help from legal experts with knowledge of data breaches makes sure that their legal rights are respected.

By Stuart Snape, Managing Partner at Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors

With the pervasion of mobile phones and other digital devices, it’s no surprise that screen time has become a significant issue for parents. We live in a digital age where children are constantly exposed to screens. From televisions and video games to tablets and mobile phones, it’s hard to escape the temptation of screens.

Studies have shown that 4 in 5 children have access to tech devices. While there are some benefits to children using technology, there are also risks. Too much screen time can lead to health problems, such as obesity and poor sleep habits. It can also affect your child’s social and emotional development. So, what can you do to help your child control their mobile phone addiction? This article gives some tips that can help manage your kids’ mobile phone addiction.

Mobile Phone Addiction

As the world becomes increasingly digital, more and more children are becoming addicted to their mobile phones and other tech devices. So, the responsibility falls on parents to wisely choose the tech devices for their kids and supervise the digital content they consume.

Concerning safety for kids and young adults, the tech industry has also come up with several parental controls that can be implemented in the devices they manufacture, for digital well-being. Regarding tech for kids, there are many options available on the market. Tech reviews give you a real-life opinion of the latest kids’ tech devices, which can help you select the perfect device for your child.

While there are some benefits to using mobile phones, such as staying connected with friends and family, there are also some adverse effects. These include:

• The constant need to be online leads to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even loneliness.
• Kids struggle to connect with real people, preferring to communicate through social media or text messages.
• Young adults miss important social cues and body language, making it difficult to form strong relationships.

In extreme cases, mobile phone addiction can lead to severe problems, such as sleeping disorders, academic problems, and financial issues. If you think your child may be addicted to their mobile phone, you must talk to them about it.

If you’re concerned that your child may be addicted to their mobile phone or other tech devices, there are a few signs you can look for, such as:

• Constantly needing to be on their phone or device, even when they’re not using it for anything in particular.
• Getting agitated or angry when they’re not able to use their phone or device.
• Neglecting other essential activities, such as homework or spending time with friends and family, in favor of using their phone or device.
• Lying about how much time they’re spending on their phone or device.

So what can you do to help your kids control their screen time addiction? Here are a few things you can do to help your child manage their mobile phone addiction:

1.   Understand the Problem

Most kids will admit to using their phones for hours, but it’s essential to understand that this is not normal behavior. It is more than just boredom or a lack of exciting things to do.

We live in a world where technology has become an essential part of our lives, and many parents are unaware of how detrimental it can be if children are allowed too much access to their devices. The first step towards controlling your child’s phone use is understanding the problem. If you know what they’re doing with their phone, then it’s easier to develop a solution.

2.   Set Limits

Most kids aren’t using their phones because they want to. They’re using them because there are times when you’ve let them get away with it, and now they can’t live without it. That’s why it’s essential to set limits for screen time. Try to create a routine that includes time for reading, exercising, and other activities that are good for your child’s development. Establish a daily limit on how much time your child will spend using mobile devices. This should include both online and offline usage.

3.   Lead By Example

Many kids tend to repeat what they see from their parents. The best way to overcome mobile phone addiction is by setting an example of how you handle your phone. Your kids will likely follow suit if you’re constantly on your phone, checking social media, or playing games. Instead, limit your screen time and be present when your kids are around. This will help them see that there is more to life than just staring at a screen all day.

4.   Monitor Device Usage

With the help of your kids, it is essential to monitor their usage to overcome internet addiction. This is a great way to help them realize how much time they spend on their devices and how much they get in return. You can keep an eye on the apps they have downloaded and monitor how much time they spend using them. The best way to do this is by turning off the device when not in use.

If you have apps like Google Family Link or iOS parental controls, you can set time limits for each app and even make it so that the device automatically locks after a certain amount of time.

5.   Help Them Participate in Other Activities

Kids need social interactions and activities that are not related to screens. They need time with friends, family, and teachers to develop strong social skills and interests outside of electronics. This will help them learn how to interact with others without getting distracted by their phones. Don’t settle for them simply sitting around inside off their screens, get them outdoors in the fresh air.  Helping your child find other outlets for activity will also keep them from becoming addicted to their devices as they age.

6.   Encourage Breaks From Devices

Children who are addicted to their phones tend to spend more time using them than they do doing other things. Encouraging breaks from technology can help prevent overuse and help you identify when your child needs help managing their screen time habits.

Give your kids breaks from devices by walking with them outdoors or even taking them somewhere else for a bit of fresh air. This will help them get some of the same benefits that adults get from exercise, such as releasing endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.

7.   Explain the Importance of Moderation

The best way to help your child to manage their phone use is by teaching them about moderation. You can start with a few simple rules and gradually increase the time they are allowed to use their phone.

It might be tempting to wait until your child has abused their phone, but this will make it harder for them to learn how to control themselves. Instead, start by setting some boundaries and then gradually increase those boundaries over time.

A rule of thumb is that if you’re worried about your child seeing something online or chatting, then it’s too much. If you’re concerned about them being on their phone too much, then they should be using them less often.

Conclusion

You can do several things to help your kids control their mobile phone addiction. Set limits on how much time they can spend on their devices daily. Encourage them to participate in activities that don’t involve technology, such as sports, hobbies, and spending time with friends and family. Finally, lead by example and ensure you spend little time on your devices. With a little effort and guidance, you can help your kids break their mobile phone addiction and regain control of their life.

Mathematics should be taught to children at home before they begin to master the school curriculum. Parents can show children the basics of subtraction, addition, multiplication and division. These are simple methods that your child will perceive as a game.

It is best to find a method that is most understandable to the child, for example, the Singapore Math Teaching Technique . At home, they are surrounded by familiar things that you can turn into interesting learning tasks.

10 Main Benefits of Homeschooling Math

Not all children love math, but most often this happens due to a lack of understanding of simple rules. This omission must be corrected from childhood. You, as parents, can engage your child and peak their interest, as well as find incentives for them to learn mathematics. Let’s take a look at 10 benefits of homeschooling math.

1. You get to spend time with your child.  They are growing rapidly and you will want to participate in every pastime as often as possible. School years pass quickly, so by studying at home you will be able to build more memories.

2. You will be able to train them individually, dwelling on incomprehensible moments. By studying at home, you will see what points your child did not understand and be able to explain it to them again. But it is important to mention that such training is not suitable for all children. Of course, it is so important to take into account the knowledge of parents or use online training programs.

3. You remember how your child said their first word and this memory is very pleasant for you. Homeschooling gives you the opportunity to see your child’s every success. Your child studying a new topic, calculated and solved a problem correctly. You can share their joy with them each day.

4. You can get to know things that your child likes better and use it to teach them math. They may loves dinosaurs.  Collect their toys and count them, 3 dinosaurs are gone, how many are left and so on. Your child loves space, then count the planets.  Let them say which is the 5th or 6th planet from the Sun. Your child is developing every day and you will want to expand their horizons. This is a great opportunity to teach your child math and show them the world around them.

5. Learning does not always happen in the classroom naturally.  The classroom is also not suited to every child’s learning needs.  You can teach your child in a playful way, even on the way to the store or during a walk in the park. Walk in the fresh air and teach math using the example of simple things. The school curriculum is quite structured, homeschooling can be more fun, interesting and understandable.

6. At home, there is a comfortable and familiar atmosphere for the child. They can focus on learning without irritants and other distractions. At school, they can easily be distracted by social aspects.  At home you create an atmosphere for them that is most ideal for studying. It is best to equip a table with all the necessary things needed, before starting the lesson.  Turn off the TV and turn off the sound on the phone.

7. You can take a break when you see that the child is tired. The school curriculum is quite difficult and children often get tired. They have 4 or 6 lessons with different topics and it’s hard. At home, you can do homework for 20-30 minutes and then a 15-minute break. Experienced teachers say that it is better to do lessons more often and more than a long lesson without a break.

8. Another advantage is collaborative learning. There are many communities of moms where they share various new items and tips for teaching children. They find various methods that are suitable for children of a certain age category, conduct joint lessons, help each other to interest children. You can also take part in such communities and learn a lot about how to teach mathematics to a child in an understandable way.

9. You know your child better and can often find a better approach to teaching.  From the earliest stages, you will be able to interest your children to study mathematics without psychological pressure. The peace and happiness of your child is the most important aspect. And only you know when they are in the mood to learn.

10. You can answer any of their questions at any time. A common problem why kids don’t understand some math topics is their fear of asking questions. They are afraid to seem less smart than their peers.  So, they are less prone to ask  a question about something that they do not understand. At home the situation is different.  At home they are not competing for attention and feel comfortable with parents whom they love.

With the right resources, comfortable atmosphere, and a focus on learning, you can give you children the attention they need to learn.  This is especially necessary when it comes to teaching math. Undoubtedly, children need to interact with their peers, but there is nothing wrong with homeschooling from an early age. If you have the time and patience then you will be able to find an approach to it.

Developing coordination in kids is important for several reasons. Coordination is the ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently and is essential for many physical activities. Good coordination can help kids perform better in sports and other physical activities, and can also improve their balance, posture, and overall health.

In addition, coordination is closely linked to other skills, such as problem-solving and fine motor skills, and can help kids develop these skills as well. Overall, developing coordination in kids can help them lead active, healthy, and successful lives.

What is poor coordination in a child?

Poor coordination in a child can manifest in various ways, such as clumsiness, difficulty with tasks that require fine motor skills (such as writing or using scissors), or difficulty with activities that require coordination between the hands, feet, and eyes (such as catching a ball or playing sports).

Children with poor coordination may also have difficulty with balance and posture, and may be more prone to accidents or injuries. If a child is experiencing poor coordination, it is important to consult with a doctor or other healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Main causes of lack of coordination in kids

There are many potential causes of poor coordination in kids. Some possible causes include:

• Developmental delays: Some kids may have developmental delays that affect their coordination. Developmental delays are common in children with conditions such as autism or cerebral palsy.

• Sensory processing disorders: Kids with sensory processing disorders may have difficulty processing sensory information, such as touch, sound, or sight. This can lead to poor coordination.

• Neurological disorders: Neurological disorders, such as stroke, brain injury, or cerebral palsy, can affect the brain’s ability to control the body’s movements, leading to poor coordination.

• Muscular dystrophy: Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders that affect the muscles, leading to weakness and poor coordination.

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Kids with ADHD may have difficulty with coordination due to their impulsivity and inattention.

• Lack of practice or exposure to coordination-building activities: Kids who do not have the opportunity to practice and develop their coordination through activities such as sports, dance, or play may have poor coordination.

14 activities to build coordination in kids

Climbing

Climbing on a climbing wall or a climbing dome can help kids develop strength, coordination, and balance as they navigate the various routes and obstacles. Here is a list of outdoor climbing playsets you might want to check out.

A climbing dome can help develop coordination in kids by providing them with a fun and engaging way to improve their balance, flexibility, and strength. As they climb and maneuver around the dome, they will need to use their body in new and challenging ways, which can help improve their overall coordination.

Additionally, climbing can also improve a child’s problem-solving skills and spatial awareness, both of which are important for coordination. Here’s climbing dome overview to give you a better idea of the types of dome available today.

Playing Catch

Playing catch with a ball or other object can help kids develop hand-eye coordination and coordination between the hands and body.

Juggling

Juggling involves tossing and catching objects, which can help kids develop coordination between the hands and eyes.

Playing Sports

Sports such as baseball, soccer, basketball, and tennis require coordination between the hands, feet, and eyes, and can help kids develop these skills.

Doing Puzzles

Puzzles require kids to use their hands and eyes to put the pieces together, which can help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Playing a Musical Instrument

Playing a musical instrument involves coordinating the hands, fingers, and mouth to produce music.  This can help develop coordination and fine motor skills.

Dancing

Dancing involves moving the body in coordinated ways to music, which can help develop coordination and balance.

Skipping

Skipping involves coordinating the arms and legs in a rhythmic pattern, which can help develop coordination and balance.

Hula Hooping

Hula hooping involves rotating the hips and waist in a circular motion, which can help develop coordination and core strength.

Riding a Bike

Biking involves coordinating the pedaling motion with the movement of the bike, which can help develop coordination and balance.

Using Scissors

Using scissors to cut paper or other materials requires coordination between the hands and fingers, which can help develop fine motor skills.

Swimming

Swimming involves coordinating the movement of the arms and legs to propel the body through the water. It can help develop coordination and strength.

Hopscotch

Playing hopscotch involves jumping and hopping in a specific pattern, which can help develop coordination and balance.

Building Blocks

Playing with building blocks involves fitting the blocks together in different configurations, which can help develop coordination and problem-solving skills.

Theories Behind the Importance Of Play

All the activities mentioned here involve a level of play and recreation. To better understand this connection, here are some theories that can bring the role of play in child development to light:

Piaget’s theory of play

Jean Piaget believed play is essential for cognitive development. He divided play into four stages:

• Sensorimotor play: This occurs in the first two years of life and involves babies and toddlers exploring their world through their senses.

• Pretend play: It begins around age two and involves children pretending to be someone or something else.

• Games with rules: This type of play begins around age four and involves children following rules and working with others.

Contests and games of chance

This starts around age seven and involves children competing with others or taking risks.

Vygotsky’s theory of play

Lev Vygotsky believed that play is a social activity that helps children learn and develop. He argued that children learn by interacting with their environment and other people. Play provides a safe and supportive environment for children to explore and experiment.

Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development

Erik Erikson believed that play helps children develop a sense of self and their place in the world. He divided psychosocial development into eight stages, each associated with a specific crisis or challenge. Play can help children resolve these challenges and develop a healthy sense of self.

Montessori’s theory of play

Maria Montessori believed play is the child’s work. She argued that it’s essential for children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. The Montessori theory of play seeks to emulate this child-centered environment to empower kids to have their own learning styles.

If your child has poor coordination, consider working with experts to utilize these activities to further their growth.