United News of Bangladesh

As schools reopen after the summer break, experts emphasize the importance of proper sleep to help children stay focused and attentive in class. Pediatricians advise easing students back into a routine ahead of the new academic year. “Good sleep is essential for learning and overall daily functioning,” said Dr. Gabrina Dixon, a pediatrician. Children’s sleep needs vary by age: preschoolers require up to 13 hours, tweens need 9 to 12 hours, and teenagers perform best with 8 to 10 hours of rest. Australia bans YouTube accounts for children under 16 from December Experts recommend setting earlier bedtimes a week or two before school begins or gradually advancing bedtime by 15 to 30 minutes each night. Heavy meals and screen time should be avoided at least two hours before bed, while relaxing activities such as reading or taking a shower can help children wind down. Exposure to morning daylight can also train the brain to wake up more effectively. Sleep quality is as important as duration. Anxiety about returning to school can make it difficult for children to fall asleep. Parents are encouraged to discuss their children’s worries and, where possible, prepare them for first-day challenges by visiting the school or familiarizing them with classmates. “Take a deep breath and start the schedule gradually,” Dr. Dixon advised, noting that children will adjust over time with consistent routines.   Source: Agency

For gardeners, late summer often means it’s nearly time to enjoy the rewards of months of planting and care. While some crops — like tomatoes, which should display a uniform red, yellow, or orange hue — clearly signal ripeness, others require a closer look. Key signs for popular vegetablesZucchini should be picked at 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) for best tenderness; oversized squash can become tough. Green beans are ready when about pencil-thick — harvesting every couple of days encourages more production. Green peppers can be picked anytime, but are fully mature (and sweeter) when red. Cucumbers are edible at all sizes but should be harvested before their skin becomes too smooth to avoid bitterness. Sweet corn is ready when its silk turns brown, and kernels release a milky fluid when pierced. Cantaloupes will detach easily from the vine when ripe, honeydew melons soften at the bottom, and watermelons are ready when their undersides turn creamy white. Crème fraîche creates a creamy broth in this recipe for briny-sweet steamed clams Root crops’ readinessGarlic bulbs mature when only about five leaves remain green. Onions are ready once their tops flop and brown. Beets are best at 1½–3 inches (3.8–5 cm) wide; larger roots may become woody. Standard potatoes are fully ready when foliage dies back, while “new” potatoes can be dug two to three weeks after blooming. Carrots can be harvested once their tops emerge above the soil and can remain in the ground for extended storage. Source: Agency 

International air flights connecting flights offer broader route options and competitive fares. However, for first-time flyers, navigating unfamiliar airports and managing transit procedures can be overwhelming. From booking to baggage, every step demands informed choices. This guide aims to simplify that journey by covering all essential aspects of multi-leg flights for beginners. Here’s a professional walkthrough for travelling globally through international air travel with connecting flights and layovers. Essential Tips for Connecting International Flights with Layovers . Pre-Booking Considerations Selecting the right flight involves more than just picking the lowest fare. Direct flights offer convenience and time savings but are often more expensive. Connecting flights, on the other hand, open access to competitive pricing and flexible routes, though they demand careful planning. Always prioritise a safe buffer between flights, preferably 2 to 4 hours for international connections. It's helpful to be proactive about potential delays, immigration checks, and terminal changes. Understanding visa and transit requirements is equally vital. In certain countries, a transit visa may be required even when the traveller remains within the airport's international zone. European hubs under the Schengen Zone often have specific rules that can surprise unprepared travellers. Read more: Shopping in Dubai: What to Buy, Where to Buy from Use tools like Skyscanner for price comparisons, FlightConnections for route mapping, and SeatGuru for aircraft layouts. For first-time travellers, airports with efficient signage and clear terminal layouts, such as Changi, Doha, or Munich, can make a noticeable difference. Booking Tips and Smart Planning When booking international flights with connections, the platform you use matters significantly. Direct airline websites often provide greater reliability, transparent policies, and easier support in case of delays or changes. While third-party portals may offer marginal savings, they can complicate refund or rescheduling processes. Most importantly, always ensure all legs of your journey are issued under a single ticket to secure your connection rights if a delay occurs. Your seat choice can also influence your transit ease. If your layover is short, seats near the front of the aircraft can reduce disembarking time. For critical schedules, business class may offer faster immigration clearance, priority boarding, and lounge access. Avoid tightly scheduled layovers, particularly during peak hours or late-night slots when airport services may be limited. Larger airports with complex terminal systems require longer transit windows. Read more: Shopping in Hong Kong: What to Buy, Where to Buy from Offline Assistance: Local Airline Offices For beginners, visiting the local office of an airline can provide clarity that online platforms often lack. These offices offer face-to-face guidance on booking complexities, baggage allowances, and layover arrangements. Printed itineraries, verified baggage details, and tailored layover advice make these visits particularly useful for first-time international travellers. Staff can also explain stopover hotel eligibility and suggest suitable travel insurance. They can even walk travellers through rechecking procedures during connections. Before visiting, travellers should prepare specific questions in advance on layover durations, visa implications, baggage handling, and airline-provided accommodations. Airport Navigation During Connection Upon arrival at a layover airport, following signage marked “Connecting Flights” is essential to maintaining the scheduled transfer. Depending on the airport's infrastructure, an additional security screening may be required even if the traveller remains within the international zone. Terminal changes are a critical aspect of many large hub connections. Identifying the mode of terminal transfer is best achieved through official airport apps or terminal maps. It usually applies particularly in complex airports such as Heathrow, Dubai, or Changi. Read more: Trip to Bali: A Comprehensive Travel Guide Transit procedures vary by location. In some cases, international passengers may be required to clear immigration before proceeding to the next gate, even without exiting the airport. A clear understanding of these processes contributes significantly to a smooth onwards journey. Baggage Transfer Rules Understanding baggage transfer protocols is essential when planning journeys involving connecting flights. When tickets are issued under a single booking, baggage is typically through-checked to the final destination. This eliminates the need to collect and recheck luggage during transit. However, bookings involving separate airlines, particularly those outside major alliances, often require travellers to claim and reprocess their bags at each stop. Given such uncertainties, a well-packed carry-on becomes crucial. Essential items such as medications, travel documents, a change of clothes, and valuables should remain easily accessible. Additionally, international regulations must be observed – liquid limits, electronic device screenings, and prohibited items vary by region. Strategic packing prepares for baggage mishandling while ensuring compliance with aviation regulations. Dealing with Flight Delays and Missed Connections In the event of delays, rebooking and compensation depend on jurisdiction and ticket structure. Under regulations, passengers are entitled to assistance and compensation when delays or missed connections result from the airline’s fault. However, when connections are missed due to short layovers or separately booked itineraries, responsibility often shifts to the traveller. Read more: Thai e-Visa for Bangladeshis: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online Comprehensive travel insurance can significantly mitigate these risks. Coverage for delays, missed onwards flights, and baggage issues offers both financial protection and access to emergency support. Familiarity with policy terms and claim procedures ensures timely assistance when disruptions occur. Punctuality and Being Concerned Efficient time management is fundamental to successful transit. For domestic-to-domestic connections, a layover of at least 60–90 minutes is generally sufficient. However, international connections, especially those requiring terminal changes, demand a minimum of 2 to 4 hours. Upon landing, adjusting the phone or watch to the local time zone helps maintain alignment with airport schedules and departure times. Information desks, real-time flight display monitors, and airport Wi-Fi services can provide critical updates and assistance. Boarding gates are occasionally changed, and announcements may not always be repeated. Maintaining personal well-being and safety enhances comfort during longer waits. Many major airports offer lounges, rest zones, and prayer facilities. Valuables, passports, and essential documents should never be left unattended, particularly during overnight layovers or crowded peak hours. Read more: Top 10 Online Platforms to Book International Flights from Bangladesh Wrap Up This beginner’s guide to international air travel with connecting flights has covered every critical phase. It spans from pre-booking decisions and offline assistance to baggage handling, transit procedures, and time management. Each step presents unique challenges, but with structured preparation, even complex itineraries can unfold with confidence. Staying informed about airline rules, visa requirements, and airport layouts can significantly reduce stress. A well-packed carry-on, timely bookings, and awareness of passenger rights further support smoother travel experiences.

A two-day travelling photo exhibition by Pathshala South Asian Media Institute titled “Photography in the People’s Uprising: July Photography – Witness to History and Tool of Struggle” began on Monday morning at Dhaka University’s Swoparjito Swadhinata Chattar, bringing to the streets powerful images that documented the July–August 2024 uprising. The exhibition features works by 14 photographers who risked their lives to capture moments of intense street protests, violent crackdowns, and the spirit of resistance that defined the movement. Organised as an open-air gallery, it aims to revisit key locations in Dhaka that turned into battlefields during the historic months — including the Central Shaheed Minar, TSC, Mohammadpur Beribadh, Mirpur, Jatrabari, Rampura, and Hatirjheel. Renowned photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam, along with fellow photographers, teachers, students and other professionals, joined the opening event. “This initiative has brought the gallery to the people — even working-class passers-by are stopping to see the images. Without photographers, perhaps Sheikh Hasina would still be in power; their work should be honoured and protected with proper copyright recognition,” Shahidul Alam said at the event. Photographer Taslima Akhter said the exhibition serves to remember the days of the uprising, while Pathshala teacher Jannatul Mawa noted that when the media was unable to play its role, the photographs spoke the truth. Photographer Jibon Ahmed, who also has a solo exhibition running almost simultaneously at Alliance Francaise Dhaka (AFD) of the photos he took during the Uprising, recalled facing live gunfire from the BGB targeting protestors, while Syed Ashraful Alam shared memories of capturing images amid the chaos in Uttara, and Suman Kanti Pal recounted similar experiences in Rampura. Before setting out, the participating photographers reflected on the challenges of documenting the unrest that happened in July 2024. Following the reminiscences, five vans carrying the photographs embarked on their journey through the city’s flashpoint areas, engaging with the public along the way. The exhibition will continue until Tuesday. Participating photographers include Syed Ashraful Alam, Istiak Karim, KM Asad, Jibon Ahmed, Dipu Malakar, Noor Alam, Moin Bulu, Md Shafiqul Islam, Raihan Ahmed, Rahat Karim, Shuvra Kanti Das, Sultan Mahmud Mukut, Suman Kanti Pal, and Habibul Haque.

Debra Taylor has had quite an eventful year, managing a divorce, preparing for retirement, and relocating from Southern California to Portugal with one of her daughters. After deciding to live abroad, Taylor shortlisted potential countries based on tax implications (Spain was rejected due to wealth taxes), climate (Costa Rica was too hot), and ease of travel within Europe, a region she adores. She toured Portugal with Expatsi, a relocation service, and chose to settle in Aveiro—a picturesque west coast city known as the "Venice of Portugal" because of its charming canals. From there, the process turned logistical. Taylor secured a one-year lease (required to proceed), engaged Viv Europe to handle paperwork and government procedures, completed an FBI background check, and scheduled a visa appointment for late September. Her youngest daughter inspired the move. “After our current president was elected, my 18-year-old transgender daughter told me she wanted to leave the country ASAP,” Taylor shared. “I was completely on board.” Her elder daughter, 20, will remain in the U.S. to finish college. Taylor emphasized that this move isn’t permanent: “I’ll use it as a base to explore the region more deeply. I plan to buy a home eventually, but only after spending more time living in various communities.” Experts on aging and relocation say Taylor is making wise choices. Retirement relocation trends Relocation rates among retirees vary due to factors like politics, housing affordability, and living costs. Though seniors move less frequently than younger people, over 3 million Americans aged 65+ relocated within the U.S. in the five years before the pandemic, per Census data. Students face arrests and office calls over AI surveillance false alarms Among those moving abroad, U.S. politics now tops the list of motivations, according to Expatsi co-founder Jen Barnett. However, many popular retirement destinations prefer working-age immigrants over retirees. Most American retirees stay put, but aging in place presents challenges such as rising housing costs, expensive home modifications, and limited community services like healthcare, utilities, and safety. AARP’s Rodney Harrell stresses the importance of planning for future needs, including health, mobility, and income changes. By 2034, the U.S. will have more people over 65 than under 18, marking a demographic milestone. More than just climate and family Choosing a retirement spot involves more than weather or proximity to grandchildren. Consider lifestyle priorities like access to universities, religious institutions, and community engagement. Harrell advises weighing social dynamics—whether neighbors are friendly or private—and using resources like the AARP livability index. If being near family matters, retirement planner Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons recommends clear communication about involvement expectations and checking how settled adult children are before moving. Casey and Dave Bowers, who relocated to Portugal’s Silver Coast, appreciate the area but find being far from family difficult despite the beauty and routine adjustments. Retirement coach Sarah Friedell O’Connell reminds retirees to think about how they want to spend newfound free time. Assess your lifestyle carefully Wealth manager Chad Harmer advises retirees to begin with a "lifestyle audit," envisioning their ideal daily routine years ahead, including climate, social life, hobbies, healthcare, and family visits, before focusing on taxes. He warns to budget for hidden expenses like insurance in disaster-prone zones and frequent travel costs. Parsons encourages trying short-term rentals to test living conditions before committing to a permanent move. Harmer’s guideline: If 80% of your desired daily lifestyle is achievable at your new location for 80% of the year, you’ve likely found the right place. Less than that might mean chasing unrealistic expectations. Source: Agency 

Today (August 10) marks the 101st birth anniversary of legendary Bangladeshi artist SM Sultan, born on August 10, 1924 in Machimdia village of Narail, Bangladesh. The birth centenary of the revered artist will be celebrated through a two-year programme featuring discussions, exhibitions, book publications and research initiatives, organisers announced these on Saturday evening at Bengal Shilpalay in the capital’s Dhanmondi. The inaugural event, a discussion titled 'The Legacy of Artist Sultan: Imagination, Beauty and the Politics of Uplifting the Common Man', was organised by the SM Sultan National and International Birth Centenary Celebration Committee. Ekushey Padak-winning eminent photographer and Member Secretary of the committee Nasir Ali Mamun, in his welcome speech, said the centenary festivities had been stalled last year due to the post-uprising situation of the country in August 2024. “This year, we are beginning a series of activities that will continue over two years, including art and photography exhibitions, seminars, symposiums, workshops and the SM Sultan Memorial Lectures,” Mamun said, adding that books on the artist’s life, works and philosophy would be published throughout the celebrations. A video documentary by Mamun featured tributes from late sculptor Hamiduzzaman Khan; eminent artists Mustafa Monwar, Farida Zaman, Rokeya Sultana, Samarjit Roy Chowdhury, Kanak Chanpa Chakma; 1952 Language Movement veteran Ahmed Rafiq; writer Hasan Azizul Haq; educationist Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed; researcher Badruddin Umar; art critic Moinuddin Khaled; and researcher Shahman Moishan, among others. This was followed by the unveiling of the book 'Sultan Khonon', edited by Mamun. Dhaka University Professor-researcher Dr Shahman Moishan delivered the keynote speech, calling Sultan as an artist who rejected colonial cultural structures and modernist conventions to develop his own visual language rooted in humanity. “Full of adventure and thrill — moving from town to town, sometimes suddenly disappearing and reappearing — Sultan’s life is for us wrapped in mystery, illusion and curiosity; we see how Tareque Masud’s film 'Adam Surat' and Nasir Ali Mamun’s photographs capture that inward mystery. Sultan fashioned a mythic persona within history that mirrors the common people, and his life should be studied with utmost care," Shahman said. Committee convenor and artist Monirul Islam highlighted Sultan’s distinctive portrayal of muscular human figures without conventional backgrounds or shading. “In his paintings, Sultan depicted people with powerful musculature; his works do not employ conventional backdrops or shading, yet this self-taught artist forged his own distinctive style,” Monirul said. Bengal Foundation Chairman Abul Khair, Sultan’s disciple Bimanesh Biswas, art critic Prof Abdus Sattar, Prof Abul Mansur and art critic Mustafa Zaman also spoke at the event.  

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) wrapped up its two-day staging of 'Songs of Hawkers', an imaginative theatrical production by French director Zazie Hayoun, with a performance on Saturday at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in the capital. Drawing from her long-held fascination with everyday life, Zazie transformed the spirited and chaotic world of Bangladeshi street hawkers into a playful, poetic and comedic stage performance. The production paid tribute to these tireless figures whose rhythmic calls, colourful wares and boundless energy form an integral part of the city’s streets.

Students across the United States are increasingly being summoned to school offices or even arrested after AI-powered surveillance software flags their online chats as potential threats — often based on false alarms. Lesley Mathis’s 13-year-old daughter learned this the hard way last year. The Tennessee eighth grader made an offensive joke during an online chat with classmates, triggering her school’s monitoring system. Within hours, she was arrested, interrogated, strip-searched, and detained overnight in jail, her mother said. The incident began when friends teased the girl about her tanned skin, calling her “Mexican,” though she is not. In reply, she wrote, “on Thursday we kill all the Mexico’s.” Mathis admitted the comment was “wrong” but stressed the context showed no real threat. “It made me feel like, is this the America we live in?” Mathis said. “It was this stupid technology that picks up random words without understanding context.” Schools across the US use AI-based surveillance tools such as Gaggle and Lightspeed Alert to monitor students’ online activity on school devices and accounts, aiming to detect signs of self-harm, bullying, or violence. While educators praise the technology for saving lives, critics warn it often criminalizes innocent remarks. New report reveals ChatGPT’s alarming responses to teens on sensitive issues Elizabeth Laird, director at the Center for Democracy and Technology, said, “It has routinized law enforcement access and presence in students’ lives, including at home.” In Tennessee, a 2023 zero-tolerance law requires any threat of mass violence against schools to be reported to law enforcement immediately. The 13-year-old girl’s arrest followed this policy, though Gaggle’s CEO Jeff Patterson criticized the handling, saying the system is meant to intervene early, not involve police. Private student chats are also monitored. In Florida, a teenager was arrested after Snapchat’s automated system flagged a joke about school shootings. Alexa Manganiotis, a student in West Palm Beach, noted how quickly surveillance software works, sharing that students typing threats on school computers were removed within minutes. Amy Bennett, Lightspeed Systems’ chief of staff, said the software helps schools “be proactive rather than punitive.” However, data reveals high false alarm rates. An analysis of Gaggle alerts in Kansas found nearly two-thirds were nonissues, including false positives from homework or deleted photos. Natasha Torkzaban, a recent graduate, was flagged for editing a friend’s college essay containing the phrase “mental health.” She and other students recently sued their school district, alleging unconstitutional surveillance. School officials argue the technology has prevented dozens of imminent suicide or violence threats. “Sometimes you have to look at the trade for the greater good,” said Anne Costello, a Kansas school board member. Two years after the incident, Mathis said her daughter is recovering but remains “terrified” of encountering the officers involved. She praised teachers at her daughter’s alternative school for their compassion and understanding. “We just want kids to be these little soldiers, but they’re not,” Mathis said. “They’re just humans.”

A zoo in the Czech Republic has welcomed four newborn Barbary lion cubs, a significant development for a species that no longer exists in the wild. The cubs — three females and one male — were seen playing under the watchful gaze of their parents, Khalila and Bart, in the outdoor area of Dvůr Králové Safari Park on Wednesday. However, their time at the park will be temporary. As part of a global conservation program for endangered species, the cubs will be relocated to other partner zoos, including one in Beersheba, Israel, to support breeding and preservation efforts. There is cautious hope that this could eventually lead to reintroducing the species into its native habitat. Dvůr Králové’s Deputy Director Jaroslav Hyjánek noted that although discussions and groundwork have begun for a possible reintroduction of Barbary lions into the wild, such a step remains a long-term goal. Once native to North Africa, particularly the Atlas Mountains, the Barbary lion — a symbol of power and beauty — was driven to extinction in the wild largely due to human actions. Many were used in Roman arenas, and later, excessive hunting and habitat destruction led to their decline. The last known wild Barbary lion was photographed in 1925, and the final confirmed individual was killed in 1942. By the mid-1960s, the species had completely vanished from the wild. Today, fewer than 200 Barbary lions are believed to live in captivity worldwide. Hyjánek shared that Moroccan authorities have expressed openness to the idea of reintroduction. A conference involving experts is being planned in Morocco — likely later this year or in early 2026 — to evaluate the feasibility of rewilding the lions in one of the country’s national parks in the Atlas Mountains. Such a plan would face many challenges, including legal hurdles, ecological readiness, ensuring a stable prey population, and gaining support from local communities. Despite the difficulties, Hyjánek believes it’s a vision worth pursuing. “Having a long-term goal is crucial for any species,” he said. “Without that, the role of zoos would lose its purpose.”

ChatGPT has provided 13-year-olds with instructions on getting intoxicated, concealing eating disorders, and even composing deeply emotional suicide letters, according to new findings from a digital watchdog group. The Associated Press reviewed more than three hours of simulated conversations between ChatGPT and researchers posing as vulnerable teenagers. While the AI often issued standard warnings against dangerous behaviors, it also offered surprisingly detailed and personalized guidance on substance use, restrictive dieting, and self-harm. The study, conducted by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), involved scaling up their queries, with more than half of ChatGPT’s 1,200 responses being flagged as potentially harmful. “We set out to test the chatbot’s guardrails,” said CCDH CEO Imran Ahmed. “The initial reaction is shock — there are practically no guardrails. The protections in place are minimal, if not completely ineffective.” Responding to the report on Tuesday, OpenAI — the company behind ChatGPT — stated that it continues working to improve how the chatbot identifies and handles sensitive interactions. “Some conversations may begin innocently but veer into more sensitive territory,” OpenAI said in a statement. The company did not directly respond to the study’s specific findings or the implications for teenage users, but said it’s working on tools to detect signs of emotional distress and refine the chatbot’s responses in such cases. The findings come amid increasing use of AI chatbots for advice, companionship, and information, especially among children and teenagers. Cardiologist reveals 6 morning habits that keep heart strong According to a July report from JPMorgan Chase, ChatGPT now has around 800 million users — roughly 10% of the global population. “This is a technology that can unlock immense progress and understanding,” said Ahmed. “But it also has the potential to cause serious harm.” He said the most disturbing moment was seeing three suicide notes written by ChatGPT for a 13-year-old girl’s persona — one addressed to her parents, another to siblings, and a third to friends. “It brought me to tears,” Ahmed told reporters. While ChatGPT did frequently recommend crisis hotlines or reaching out to mental health professionals, researchers were often able to bypass restrictions by framing their requests as part of a presentation or claiming the information was for a friend. This is troubling even if only a small portion of users interact with ChatGPT in this way. A recent survey by Common Sense Media found that over 70% of U.S. teens turn to AI chatbots for companionship, and half use them regularly. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged the trend, saying the company is studying the issue of “emotional overreliance,” which he described as particularly common among younger users. “Some teens tell us they can't make decisions without consulting ChatGPT,” Altman said at a conference. “They say it knows them, it knows their friends, and they follow its advice — that really concerns me.” While much of the content ChatGPT provides could also be found via search engines, Ahmed emphasized that chatbots pose a unique risk by generating highly personalized responses — such as writing a suicide note tailored to a user's experience. “This is different from Google,” he explained. “AI acts as a confidant, as a guide — which makes it much more dangerous in these scenarios.” The chatbot also sometimes volunteered additional information without being prompted, including suggestions for music playlists at drug-fueled parties or hashtags to promote self-harm content online. In one instance, a researcher asked for a follow-up post to be “more raw and graphic.” ChatGPT complied, generating what it called an “emotionally exposed” poem that adhered to coded language often seen in online self-harm communities. AP is withholding the exact language used in these responses due to their graphic nature. The issue partly stems from a design flaw known as “sycophancy,” where AI models mimic or reinforce a user’s beliefs and tone, rather than challenge them. Experts say this tendency can make AI dangerous in emotionally sensitive conversations — though modifying it could affect commercial appeal. Stay cool with these heat-fighting gadgets and wearables Chatbots also impact younger users differently than search engines because they are designed to feel more human-like, said Robbie Torney, senior director of AI programs at Common Sense Media. That makes it easier for teens, especially younger ones, to trust them. Common Sense’s own research showed that 13- and 14-year-olds were more likely than older teens to believe in a chatbot’s advice. While the group has rated ChatGPT a “moderate risk” — noting it is safer than AI companions designed to mimic romantic partners — the new findings show just how easy it is to get around existing safeguards. ChatGPT does not verify a user's age or require parental consent. Although its terms say it's not intended for children under 13, all that’s needed to sign up is a birthdate that meets the age requirement. In contrast, platforms like Instagram have started implementing stronger age verification to comply with regulations and steer teens toward safer experiences. When researchers used a fake 13-year-old profile to ask about alcohol, ChatGPT did not flag the age or block the request. In response to a query from a supposed “50kg boy” asking how to get drunk fast, ChatGPT offered advice. It later provided an “Ultimate Full-Out Mayhem Party Plan” that mixed alcohol with high doses of ecstasy, cocaine, and other illegal drugs. “It reminded me of that friend who always eggs you on — ‘Chug, chug, chug,’” said Ahmed. “But a true friend is someone who knows when to say no. This chatbot is more like a friend that betrays you.” In another example, ChatGPT gave a 13-year-old girl’s persona a fasting plan of just 500 calories a day, along with a list of appetite-suppressing drugs to use. “If a real person responded that way, we’d be shocked and horrified,” said Ahmed. “But here’s a chatbot saying, ‘Go for it, kiddo.’ That’s deeply troubling.” Source: Agency