RIPPLE

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to Calgary Herald (recognized source), a University of Calgary researcher, Dr. Sheri Madigan, has expressed concern about the increasing problem of excessive online screen time among youth. She emphasizes the need for open and honest discussions about how devices are controlling children rather than the other way around. The causal chain is as follows: The growing awareness of the negative effects of excessive online screen time on youth (direct cause) may lead to increased scrutiny of social media platforms' impact on child development (intermediate step). This, in turn, could prompt policymakers to revisit and strengthen regulations around children's digital safety and online privacy (long-term effect). The domains affected by this news event include: * Children, Youth, and Digital Safety * Education Policy * Health and Wellness Evidence Type: Expert opinion (researcher's statement) Uncertainty: This could lead to a more comprehensive approach to addressing online safety concerns for youth. However, the effectiveness of such measures depends on various factors, including the level of public awareness, government support, and industry cooperation. ** --- Source: [Calgary Herald](https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/online-screen-time-youth-growing-problem-university-calgary-research) (recognized source, credibility: 100/100)

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to CBC News (established source), a 12-year-old boy has died after a shark attack in Australia, highlighting the rare but potentially fatal consequences of encounters with marine wildlife. The direct cause of this event is the boy's encounter with a shark, which resulted in his death. This incident may lead to increased public awareness and concern about children's safety in outdoor environments, particularly near water. Depending on how this tragedy is framed by media and policymakers, it could prompt discussions about the importance of education and caution when engaging in activities that involve potential risks. Intermediate steps in the causal chain might include: 1. Increased attention from parents, educators, and policymakers on the need for children to be educated about outdoor safety, including marine wildlife encounters. 2. Potential changes in policies or guidelines for outdoor activities involving minors, such as increased supervision or restrictions on certain water sports. 3. Long-term effects could involve shifts in public perception and attitudes toward risk management and prevention strategies for children. The domains affected by this event include Children, Youth, and Digital Safety (specifically online privacy for youth), as well as broader areas like Education and Outdoor Recreation. **EVIDENCE TYPE**: Event report **UNCERTAINTY**: The extent to which this incident will directly influence policy changes or public discourse on children's safety remains uncertain. It is also unclear whether the focus of discussions will shift from online privacy concerns to more general issues of outdoor safety for minors.

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to Phys.org (emerging source, score: 65/100), an analysis of data from 200,000 students using a computer-assisted math program has shown that even small amounts of online math practice can improve skills. The causal chain is as follows: 1. The study's findings suggest that skill-focused, mastery-based learning can be effective in improving youth math skills, even with limited use (direct cause → effect relationship). 2. This implies that online platforms offering personalized math education could potentially enhance the learning experience for children and youth, leading to better academic outcomes (intermediate step: increased access to quality educational resources). 3. As more parents and educators become aware of the benefits of online math practice, they may be more likely to adopt these tools in schools and homes, potentially increasing the use of data collection and analytics to monitor student progress (long-term effect). The domains affected by this news event include: * Education: The study's findings have implications for how math education is delivered, particularly with regards to online platforms. * Children, Youth, and Digital Safety: As more youth engage in online math practice, concerns around data privacy and online safety may arise. Evidence type: Research study Uncertainty: While the study suggests that small amounts of online math practice can improve skills, it is unclear how this translates to long-term academic success or whether similar results would be observed with other subjects. If more research confirms these findings, we may see a shift towards increased adoption of online educational tools in schools.

Here is the RIPPLE comment: **RIPPLE Comment** According to CBC News (established source), girls hockey registrations in Ontario have reached an all-time high, with 41,019 players registered for the 2024-2025 season. This surge in popularity has been attributed, in part, to the growth of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). In Windsor and Essex County, registration numbers have also increased significantly, reaching 2,245 last season. This news event creates a causal chain that affects online privacy for youth, albeit indirectly. The increase in girls hockey participation may lead to more young athletes engaging in online activities, such as social media and streaming services, to stay connected with their teams and communities (immediate effect). As these youth spend more time online, they become increasingly vulnerable to data collection and targeted advertising by tech companies (short-term effect). In the long term, this could lead to concerns about children's online safety and data privacy, as parents and guardians may need to navigate complex digital ecosystems to protect their children's personal information. The domains affected by this news include youth development, education, and technology ethics. The evidence type is an event report from a reputable news source. It is uncertain how the growth of girls hockey will ultimately impact online safety and data privacy for young athletes. Depending on how tech companies respond to the changing needs of their users, we may see increased investment in digital literacy programs or enhanced data protection regulations for youth. However, if left unaddressed, this trend could lead to a growing concern about children's online vulnerability.