Children’s engagement to combat climate change is essential, said speakers at a discussion on Monday. ActionAid Bangladesh organised the event titled "Climate Crisis and its Impact on Children," aimed at empowering children to take a stand against climate change and its devastating impact on Bangladesh and the world. ADC Harun suspended for beating two BCL leaders The event was held at Bangladesh Mahila Samity's Dr Nilima Ibrahim Auditorium at New Bailey Road in the capital, according to a press release. "We want our children to live in a sustainable and livable environment by 2041. Making this possible is the responsibility of the government and our citizens," said Anisur Rahman, deputy commissioner of Dhaka. "Our world is facing an unprecedented climate crisis. The responsibility to address it falls on all of us. However, it is the children who will inherit the consequences of our actions or inaction. Therefore, their engagement is not just important; it is absolutely essential," he added. "Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, with Bangladesh being one of the most vulnerable nations. Approximately one in three children in Bangladesh—nearly 20 million children—are affected by extreme weather events, floods, river erosion, sea-level rise, and other environmental crises linked to climate change. ActionAid Bangladesh believes that engaging children in the fight for climate justice is vital to creating a sustainable and resilient future," said Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh. Death toll from dengue rises to 741 with 11 more deaths"The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue; it is stealing children's futures, forcing them into labour, and robbing them of homes, education, and health. We must work together to bring climate justice for our children," said Dr Aparup Chowdhury, former secretary. A survey finding with responses from 300 children from eight districts was also unveiled at the event to present how climate change affects them. The survey was conducted by ActionAid Bangladesh in Satkhira, Gaibandha, Dinajpur, Sunamganj, Patuakhai, Kurigram, Bandarban, and Chattogram, said the release. Foreign exchange reserves fall below $22 billion According to the survey, due to climate change, the education of 123 children was hampered. Sixty children said they experience salinity in the water in their locality, while 58 respondents said climate change hampers cultivation activities. Fifty-three children stated they were impacted in many ways by calamities in the last three years, while four children said they faced health issues like allergies and respiratory problems. Two children said their families lost their house due to a climate-induced disaster, it also said. Arijit Chowdhury, former additional secretary, Ministry of Finance; Rumana Yasmin Ferdausi, deputy secretary, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, Ministry of Law and Rabeya Khandkar, additional director, Sustainable Finance Department, Bangladesh Bank, spoe at the discussion, among others.

Bullying is a pervasive problem in schools. Bullying can occur in various forms, such as verbal, physical, social, and cyberbullying. It involves repetitive aggressive behaviour aimed at causing harm, discomfort, or distress to another person. Bullying can have serious consequences. It can affect the victim's mental health, academic performance, social relationships, and self-esteem. Parents and caregivers must be aware of the signs of bullying, understand its effects, and take proactive measures against bullying in school to protect and support children. Common Reasons behind Bullying Insecurity  Insecurity frequently drives bullying, as individuals project their self-doubt onto others. By belittling or hurting others, they seek a fleeting sense of power and superiority to mask their insecurities. Through this, they gain a false sense of control and confidence. Peer Pressure  Peer pressure often fuels bullying behaviours as individuals succumb to the need for acceptance within their social group. In an attempt to fit in or assert dominance, they engage in hurtful actions to mirror their peers' behaviour. Eventually, it perpetuates a cycle of bullying. Read more: How to Raise a Caring, Empathetic and Compassionate Child Lack of Empathy  Bullying frequently arises due to an absence of empathy, wherein individuals ignore the emotions of others. Their inability to understand or care about the impact of their actions leads to cruel behaviour. They prioritise their desires or amusement over the well-being of their peers.

Dengue fever is a prevalent mosquito-borne viral disease that affects people of all ages, including babies and children. It is caused by the dengue virus, which is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. In Bangladesh, dengue fever poses a significant health risk, particularly during the monsoon season when mosquito population increases. So during this time taking proper measurements to safeguard people especially babies and children from dengue fever is very important.  Dengue Symptoms in Babies and Children Recognising the symptoms of dengue fever in babies and children is crucial for timely intervention. While some individuals may experience mild symptoms or remain asymptomatic, others may develop severe manifestations. Common signs of dengue fever in babies and children are included below.  - High fever often reaching 104°F (40°C) or higher for 2 to 7 days- Rash usually after the fever subsides- HeadacheBody aches includeing joint and muscle pain - Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite- Fatigue and weakness- Bleeding from the nose, gums, or small bruises in severe casesEye Pain Read more: Read more: Dengue Fever: Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention It's important to note that symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and some children may not exhibit all of these symptoms. If you suspect your child has dengue fever, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. 10 Prevention Measures to Save Babies and Children from Dengue  Protecting babies and children from dengue fever requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on prevention. Here are ten essential tips to safeguard babies and children from dengue fever. Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites Mosquitoes that transmit the dengue virus breed in standing water. Try to regularly inspect your surroundings and eliminate any sources of stagnant water. It would be wise to empty and clean water containers such as flower pots, buckets, and pet bowls, ensuring that water storage tanks are tightly covered. Also discard any items that can collect water, such as old tyres or unused containers. Overall try to keep your surroundings clean and tidy. Read more: Dengue Prevention: 10 Home Remedies to Repel Mosquitoes Use Mosquito Nets and Screens When your child is sleeping, you can ensure a mosquito-free sleep environment by installing fine mesh mosquito nets over beds and windows. Make sure the nets are properly tucked in and free from holes. This creates a physical barrier that effectively prevents mosquito bites.  Wear Protective Clothing It is suggested to dress your child in clothing that covers their arms, legs, and feet. Lightweight, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants are recommended. Tucking the pants into socks and choosing closed-toe shoes can further reduce exposed skin. Light-colored clothing is preferable as mosquitoes are attracted to darker colors. Add Immunity Boosting Foods to Diet Having a strong immune system provides better defense against diseases, including dengue fever. Enhancing immunity can be achieved by incorporating certain foods into your children's diet. These include yogurt, turmeric, ginger, garlic, spinach, citrus fruits, and almonds, all of which contribute to strengthening the immune system. Read more: Best Foods to Increase Platelets in Dengue Fever

A report conducted by International Organization for Migration (IOM) and François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University (FXB) revealed that more than half of child trafficking victims are trafficked within their own countries. The report also found that in cases of international trafficking, children are mostly trafficked to neighbouring, wealthier countries.   Close to half of the child victims of trafficking were being trafficked for forced labour (mainly boys), in a wide range of industries, such as domestic work, begging and agriculture. Sexual exploitation, including through prostitution, pornography, and sexual servitude, is also prominent — affecting 20 percent of trafficked children, predominantly girls.    According to the report titled ‘From Evidence to Action: Twenty Years of IOM Child Trafficking Data to Inform Policy and Programming’, child victims trafficked for sexual exploitation were commonly trafficked internationally, while those trafficked for forced labour were more likely to be trafficked domestically. Involvement of family and friends in their recruitment, is a prominent trend with more than half of child victims experiencing this. Read: US condemns murder of labour leader Shahidul Islam, calls on authorities to hold perpetrators accountable Irina Todorova, Head of IOM’s Core Protection Unit said, “The report shows that child trafficking is a multifaceted and complex phenomenon that continues to spread and evolve within and across borders. No age range, no gender, and no nationality is immune to child trafficking; it is a truly global phenomenon.” For instance, boys were almost twice as likely to be trafficked as children than girls and had 39 percent less likelihood of being trafficked internationally than domestically, as compared to girls, it said. The report further stated that victims with little or no education were more than 20 times more likely to be trafficked than victims who had attended high school while children from low-income countries were five times more likely to be trafficked as a child (rather than as an adult) when compared to victims from high-income countries.   Read: Better flood management: China offers assistance for dredging rivers in Bangladesh

The bodies of two teenagers were recovered from a pond at Navaran Dakshinpara field in Jhikargachha upazila of Jashore district on Sunday afternoon.  The deceased was identified as Parash Hossain, 13, son of Mahasin Hossain of Navaran Belermath village in Jhikargachha upazila. He was a class 5 student of Yaqub Bhuiyan Shishu Academy and Saikat Hossain, 13, son of Sagar Hossain of the same area. He was studying in a madrasa in Jessore. The two of them are cousins. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Jhikargachha Police Station Sumon Bhakta said the body was handed over without an autopsy on the request of the family. A case of unnatural death has been registered in this regard.  

The summer heat can be excruciating, with soaring temperatures that are amplified by the impact of global warming. When the mercury rises, like the adults, children often suffer different health issues. Let’s find out how parents can keep their children safe from heat-related illness. Heat-related Illness: Heatstroke vs Heat Exhaustion Heatstroke Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition caused by a malfunction in the body's temperature regulation system. Often it happens due to exposure to high temperatures or intense physical exertion in hot weather. Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion is a milder heat-related illness resulting from prolonged heat exposure and insufficient fluid intake. It occurs when the body becomes dehydrated and loses electrolytes through excessive sweating. Without proper treatment, it can cause heatstroke. Read more: Class 7 student dies of heat stroke, 5 fall sick in Khulna Causes of Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion in Children Immature Thermoregulatory System Young children have a less developed ability to regulate their body temperature compared to adults. Their sweat glands may not function as efficiently, making it more challenging for them to cool down effectively in hot environments. Increased Surface Area to Body Weight Ratio Usually, children have larger surface areas relative to their body weight, which means they can absorb heat from the environment more quickly. This makes them more susceptible to overheating and increases the risk of heat-related illnesses. Limited Self-awareness Children may not recognise the signs of overheating or may not communicate their discomfort effectively. They might continue playing or engaging in physical activities despite feeling excessively hot. It increases their risk of getting ill from high heat. Read more: Heat Stroke Prevention: Best foods, drinks to avoid heat exhaustion Lack of Hydration Knowledge Sometimes children are not aware of the importance of staying hydrated and forget to drink water regularly. Under the scorching summer sun, kids may continue playing, neglecting the necessity of fluid intake, which can increase their risk of dehydration. Dependency on Adults Children mostly rely on adults to provide them with water, shade, and appropriate clothing choices. If somehow a child is not adequately hydrated, does not take breaks, or does not take protective measures due to the negligence of the caregiver, he/she can be at a higher risk of heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Participation in Sports or Activities Children engaged in intense physical activities, or playing outdoors under the sun, are more at the risk of heat exhaustion. It happens especially when proper precautions are not taken. Extended periods of exertion in hot weather without adequate rest and hydration increase the risk significantly. Read more: Heat Stroke: Symptoms, First Aid, and Prevention Staying in Enclosed Spaces or Vehicles Leaving children in enclosed spaces, such as a parked car under the sun, even for a short time, can be harmful for their health. Due to summer heatwaves, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise quickly, posing a severe risk of heatstroke or even death. Lack of Adjustment Children who have not acclimatised gradually to hot weather conditions are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses. Sudden exposure to extreme heat overwhelms their bodies. Their organs may struggle to regulate the body-temperature effectively. Certain Medical Conditions Children with specific medical conditions, such as asthma, obesity, diabetes, or heart disease, may have a higher risk of heat-related illnesses. These conditions can affect the body's ability to regulate temperature or increase the vulnerability to dehydration. Read more: Summer 2023: Ceiling Fan Buyer's Guide with Price Range in Bangladesh It is essential to be careful of these causes and take necessary precautions to protect children from excessive heat exposure. To ensure they remain adequately hydrated in hot environments is essential.

In a stunning show of unity, parents in a town in Ireland have banded together to jointly adopt a no-smartphone code for their children until secondary school. Parents’ associations across the Irish town of Greystones have adopted the no-smartphone code for their children, the Guardian reports. “If everyone does it across the board, you don’t feel like you’re the odd one out. It makes it so much easier to say no,” said Laura Bourne, one of the parents. “The longer we can preserve their innocence, the better.” Read more: How to Break Internet Addiction? Last month, schools and parents in the town of Greystones in Ireland took the initiative out of concern that smartphones were fueling anxiety and exposing children to adult content. It is a rare occasion for an entire town to take action together on such an issue, the Guardian reports. The voluntary “Greystones Pact” is to withhold smartphones from children – at home, in school, everywhere – until they enter secondary school. Applying it to all children in the area will, it is hoped, curb peer pressure and dampen any resentment. “Childhoods are getting shorter and shorter,” Rachel Harper, the principal of St Patrick’s School who led the initiative, told the Guardian. Nine-year-olds had started requesting smartphones, she said. Read more: How to keep your child engaged at home without gadgets “It was creeping in younger and younger, we could see it happening.” A town-wide policy reduces the chance of a child having a peer with a smartphone and parents can present the code as a school rule, said Harper. “They love it – now they can blame the schools.” The initiative has garnered interest from parent associations in Ireland and internationally, prompting Ireland's health minister, Stephen Donnelly, to recommend it as a national policy. Read more: Effects of Excessive Use of Smartphones “Ireland can be, and must be, a world leader in ensuring that children and young people are not targeted and are not harmed by their interactions with the digital world,” he wrote in the Irish Times. “We must make it easier for parents to limit the content their children are exposed to.” The “Greystones Pact” stemmed from children showing anxiety levels only partly attributable to Covid-era adaptation, Harper told the Guardian. Schools circulated questionnaires among parents, leading to a meeting of community stakeholders and an initiative dubbed “it takes a village”. Read more: How to entertain an unwell child without screen time Not all parents will deny their primary schoolchildren a smartphone – the code is voluntary – but enough have signed up to create a sense of critical mass, said Harper. “Hopefully down the line it’ll become the new norm,” she told the Guardian.

According to the Dalai Lama, “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.” Care means offering aid or support to individuals experiencing hardship or requiring assistance. Compassion is empathizing and experiencing the feelings of others in order to develop a deep understanding and empathy for their emotions. It includes patience, wisdom, kindness, warmth, perseverance, and determination. Like adults, care and compassion is deeply associated with the overall well-being of children. If you want your child to grow up as a caring, empathetic and compassionate person, try these 10 tips.  10 Tips for Parents to Develop Empathy and Compassion in Kids Believe in Your Child  Belief plays a significant role in shaping children's behavior. Constant maintenance of a positive attitude towards children is crucial for establishing enduring and harmonious relationships with them in the long run. It requires daily attention and effort to foster a stable and positive connection. If parents trust in their children’s willingness to help for others' well-being, it will grow confidence in kids. Children are perceptive to these emotions and react accordingly. Sensing positivity they respond positively.  Read more: Helicopter Parenting: Signs, Pros, Cons and How to Change Practice Empathy and Compassion Creating an environment where people feel valued encourages children to observe and practice positive attitudes. Parents bear the primary responsibility for their children’s attitude and conduct. Children learn by observing their parents' actions and words, therefore it is essential for parents to actively practice these virtues themselves.  By being loving parents and exemplary role models, parents can contribute to raising their kids as remarkable and accepting individuals. Ultimately, parents' actions and behavior greatly influence their children's development into compassionate and empathetic individuals. Stay Conscious about the Impact of Media  Children are often influenced by TV shows, internet contents, commercial advertisements, entertainment media and social sharing networks. It is essential for parents to have explicit conversations with their kids about the potential consequences of social media and offensive words which bring regrettable actions.  Parents should be aware of what kinds of TV shows or internet content their children watch. In  friendly ways, parents can discuss with their kids about the cons of watching malicious content. Read more: How to raise happy, confident, strong girls  Limiting the screen time of kids, parents can encourage them to read story books and novels that suit the age-level of their children. Moreover, teaching children about the limitations of communication through the internet and social media is crucial. Parents need to help the kids understand that without facial expressions and vocal tone, misunderstandings and hurt feelings can easily occur. Practice Gratitude Each human on earth has some sort of sorrows, unfulfilled desires, and dissatisfactions. Still, we need to show gratitude to life for what life has given to us. It is essential to lead a positive life. Parents can share with their kids what they are grateful about for that day. Young children can accept it as a positive example for them to follow. When children face challenges or danger, they will have trust in others and know that they are not alone in this world. Ultimately, they will learn to be grateful for everything and do the same for others.  Read more: How to entertain an unwell child without screen time Be the Role Model Parents are the primary educators for their children. So, it is essential to be role models. Parents’ actions are more significant than their words. Children can comprehend the differences between actions and words. Parents can show care and compassion for others through small gestures. Practicing empathy in real life is important so that children can realize and follow it. For instance, offering a helping hand to a distressed friend can convey kindness in a simple yet powerful way. Besides these, the parents need to be cautious about their words while criticizing another person. Because, parents are sending messages to kids about how to treat others.  Read more: How to deal with your demanding child?

The trail of destruction left by Cyclone Mocha in parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar is causing severe disruption to the lives of millions of vulnerable children and families, including many already living in dire conditions, says UNICEF on Wednesday. Even as the worst of the storm has passed, the risk of landslides remains high, and further dangers, including waterborne diseases, will likely grow in the days ahead. Cyclone Mocha hit the coastlines of Bangladesh and Myanmar on 14 May, at around 15:00 local time, bringing heavy rainfall, storm surges, and strong winds reaching 175 mph. "Some of the world's most vulnerable children and families are, yet again, at the sharp end of a crisis they didn't create. The areas hit hardest by the storm are home to communities already living through conflict, poverty, instability, and climate and environmental shocks," said UNICEF's Executive Director Catherine Russell. Also read: US providing $250,000 to assist Cyclone Mocha emergency relief efforts: Peter Haas "As we urgently assess and respond to the immediate needs of children in the aftermath of this cyclone, we know with certainty that the best way to save and improve the lives of children and their families is by finding long-term solutions." In Bangladesh, home to the world's largest refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, one million Rohingya refugees faced the brunt of the heavy storms, half of them children. The refugee camps rank among the most tightly packed places on earth, exposing children to conditions ripe for disease, malnutrition, neglect, exploitation, and violence. The camps are also prone to mudslides, and children live in fragile temporary shelters. Cyclone Mocha has tied with 2019's Tropical Cyclone Fani as the strongest storm ever recorded in the North Indian Ocean. Scientists recently found that, while disaster management efforts have reduced the number of deaths during cyclones in recent years, climate change is threatening this progress. They noted that escalating frequency and intensity of storms will pose a far greater risk to Bangladesh in the coming decades.   While Cox's Bazar was spared the eye of the storm, thousands of people have been affected and several temporary shelters, facilities, and infrastructure that refugees have been provided have flooded and left severely damaged due to heavy winds and rains. Timely and urgent humanitarian access to the affected areas in both countries is critical. UNICEF is on the ground, assessing needs, and providing emergency relief. Together with local partners, UNICEF is prepositioning and deploying supplies in Bangladesh and Myanmar to ramp up our response services, including water and sanitation, child protection, health, nutrition, and education. By late Sunday, the storm weakened, leaving behind destroyed homes, health facilities, schools, and other critical infrastructure. Many of the hundreds of thousands of people affected are refugees or internally displaced people (IDPs), living in poorly structured shelters in camps and hard-to-reach areas. They rely heavily on humanitarian assistance for food, water, health, education, and protection. The situation is particularly worrisome in Myanmar. More than 16 million people – 5.6 million of them children – including 1.2 million internally displaced people of Rohingya, ethnic Rakhine and other communities, were in the path of the cyclone in Rakhine State, and locations in the north-west including Chin State and Sagaing and Magway Regions. The areas are low-lying and highly prone to flooding landslides. Assessments of the extent of the damage in Myanmar are challenging, largely due to interrupted transport and telecommunication services and inaccessibility of some roads due to trees falling and debris. However, early reports show that children were reportedly among the victims of the storm.  

In Bangladesh, 51 per cent of young women were married in childhood, according to a new report which used data from the Bangladesh 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. Bangladesh has the highest prevalence of child marriage in South Asia and the eighth highest prevalence in the world, according to a new analysis issued by UNICEF today. Approximately 34.5 million women in Bangladesh were married before they turned 18 and over 13 million women were married before they turned 15. “Children should not be married. Despite progress, the number of child brides in Bangladesh is staggering. Millions of girls are being robbed of their childhood, and denied their fundamental rights. We need urgent and concerted action to protect girls, to ensure that they stay in school, and have the opportunity to grow up to their fullest potential,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh. Despite a steady decline in child marriage in the last decade, multiple crises including conflict, climate shocks, and the ongoing fallout from COVID-19 are threatening to reverse hard-earned gains, according to a new analysis issued by UNICEF today. “The world is engulfed by crises on top of crises that are crushing the hopes and dreams of vulnerable children, especially girls who should be students, not brides,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “Health and economic crises, escalating armed conflicts, and the ravaging effects of climate change are forcing families to seek a false sense of refuge in child marriage. We need to do everything in our power to ensure that their rights to an education and empowered lives are secured.” Worldwide, an estimated 640 million girls and women alive today were married in childhood, or 12 million girls per year, according to the latest global estimate included in the analysis. The share of young women who married in childhood has declined from 21 per cent to 19 per cent since the last estimates were released five years ago. However, in spite of this progress, global reductions would have to be 20 times faster to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of ending child marriage by 2030. Meanwhile, South Asia continues to drive global reductions and is on pace to eliminate child marriage in about 55 years, the report notes. However, the region remains home to nearly half (45 per cent) of the world's child brides. While India has recorded significant progress in recent decades, it still accounts for one-third of the global total. Sub-Saharan Africa – which currently shoulders the second largest global share of child brides (20 per cent) – is over 200 years away from ending the practice at its current pace. Rapid population growth, alongside ongoing crises, look set to increase the number of child brides, in contrast with the declines expected in the rest of the world. Latin America and the Caribbean is also falling behind and on course to have the second-highest regional level of child marriage by 2030. After periods of steady progress, the Middle East and North Africa, and Eastern Europe and Central Asia have also stagnated. Girls who marry in childhood face immediate and lifelong consequences. They are less likely to remain in school, and face an increased risk of early pregnancy, in turn increasing the risk of child and maternal health complications and mortality. The practice can also isolate girls from family and friends, and exclude them from participating in their communities, taking a heavy toll on their mental health and well-being. Worldwide, conflict, climate-related disasters, and the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 – especially rising poverty, income shocks, and school dropout – are helping to increase the drivers of child marriage while also making it difficult for girls to access health care, education, social services and community support that protect them from child marriage. As a result, girls living in fragile settings are twice as likely to become child brides as the average girl globally, the analysis notes. For every ten-fold increase in conflict-related deaths, there is a 7 per cent increase in the number of child marriages. At the same time, extreme weather events driven by climate change increase a girl's risk, with every 10 per cent deviation in rainfall connected to around a 1 per cent increase in the prevalence of child marriage. Precious gains to end child marriage in the past decade are also being threatened – or even reversed – by the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, the analysis warns. It is estimated that the pandemic has already cut the number of averted child marriages since 2020 by one-quarter. "We’ve proven that progress to end child marriage is possible. It requires unwavering support for vulnerable girls and families,” added Russell. “We must focus on keeping girls in school and making sure they have economic opportunities."