My preteen feels left out because he's one of the few kids in his class without a cellphone.My husband and I are concerned he lacks the impulse control for a phone or smartwatch.We decided against getting him one for now, but will keep an open conversation about the topic.My 12-year-old feels left out at school because he's not in a group chat with his classmates. He says he's one of the only kids in his class without a phone or smartwatch. At first, I was surprised, but Common Sense Media reported that 71% of 12-year-olds had their own smartphone as of 2021.I don't want my son to feel left out. However, he already owns a Nintendo Switch, a Kindle, and an iPad. Even with strict screen usage limits, his access to the digital world feels robust enough for his age.At the kitchen table a few nights ago, my son wrote a persuasive essay about why he should be permitted a smartwatch or a phone. It was well-researched, including this zinger: "I only need to use it when I go out with friends, so you don't worry about me. I can leave it on the charger when I'm at home."It sounds innocent enough a tool that will keep him in contact with us when he isn't home. However, I doubt the device will live on the charger. I've heard from other parents whose preteens are in the school group chat, that the messages come in fast succession and often at odd hours. With access, my son will likely obsess over the influx of messages, making his emotional attachments to friends even more complex.I worry about the consequences of getting him a phoneFor preteens, a phone or other tech device often has more consequences than only staying connected, Dr. Kyra Bobinet, a physician and behavioral expert, told Business Insider. Because the prefrontal cortex, which manages impulse control and decision-making, is still developing, "introducing phones too early may overwhelm a preteen with constant notifications and endless online options, making it harder for them to self-regulate," she said. These distractions can make it hard for them to form boundaries around screens.Our preteen already melts down when his timer rings to turn off his devices, and he sometimes attempts to sneak more screen time. In my experience, he lacks the impulse control and self-constraint for a cellphone or smartwatch.Dr. Zishan Khan, a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, said that because preteens (children between ages 9 and 12) are in critical stages of emotional and cognitive development, devices can expose them to adult content, peer pressure, and social media dynamics they aren't ready for.Excessive screen time can impair their ability to focus. He added that it can also contribute to sleep disruption and interfere with their development of healthy coping strategies and positive social skills. Khan also said that preteen phone usage comes with other risks, such as cyberbullying and privacy and safety concerns."They may not fully understand the implications of oversharing on the internet, whether through text, photos, or geolocation features," he said. "It never ceases to amaze me how many times a very intelligent, well-meaning, and genuinely innocent child is coerced into doing things totally out of character, even being convinced to share inappropriate pictures.My preteen is more tech-savvy than I am. Even if we give him a phone with boundaries, it's possible he'd outsmart our restrictions.While we decided against it, we're keeping open communication about the issueMy husband and I took a few simple steps immediately following our son's request. We communicated with our son why we don't feel he's ready for a phone or smartwatch, including a conversation about his current behavior patterns.We told him that we don't know when he'll get a device, and we also assured him that when we do get him a phone or smartwatch, we'll need to enforce healthy boundaries and restrictions. In the meantime, we offered him a compromise. He can use our phones to text friends until the time comes to get him his own device. We also promised to schedule intentional time with friends outside school so he doesn't feel as left out.Although my preteen isn't happy with the decision, my husband and I strive for open, honest dialogue at home. I hope this will create bridges in our relationship instead of building walls because, like all well-meaning parents, we want to enter the teenage years with a strong relationship.

Democrats will hold some of North Carolinas highest offices, including the governorship, come January. But these incoming lawmakers will be less powerful than their predecessors, after the Republican-dominated legislature stripped away several of their duties this week.It isnt the first time Republicans in North Carolinas state legislature have shifted the balance of power away from Democrats and toward members of their own party. As a result, the North Carolina governorship is a weaker office than it is in many other states and Republicans will have a remarkable degree of influence over state politics, despite Democratic victories at the ballot box in November.North Carolina is a deeply polarized state, and was considered a battleground in the 2024 elections. Now, when Gov.-elect Josh Stein and other Democrats take office in 2025, the battle will be between them and a legislature still dominated by Republicans.What powers did the governor and other officials lose?The state legislature, known as the General Assembly, didnt just target Stein, although hes the most high-profile official that the new law applies to. The incoming lieutenant governor, attorney general, and superintendent of public instruction (who oversees the states public school system) all had authority stripped from them in the new legislation.There are two major changes to Steins authority. First, he loses the ability to make appointments to North Carolinas five-person elections board. Previously, the governor appointed two Republicans and two Democrats, and a fifth member who could belong to either political party. (Typically, the governor appointed a member of their own party for that final slot.) The State Board of Elections chooses four of the five members of each county board, with the governor appointing the fifth member again, usually a member of the governors party. Those powers will now be in the hands of the new state auditor, Republican Dave Boliek. It shifts from Democratic control to Republican control, because the auditor is now a Republican, and if they keep the same basic principle, hell appoint three Republicans and Democrats will appoint two, Michael Bitzer, a political science professor at North Carolinas Catawba College, told to Vox. Whether that will be significant in terms of what the election board does in the future, I think well just have to wait and see.Perhaps of greater significance, Stein will also have limits around who he can appoint to vacant state supreme court and Court of Appeals seats; now, rather than appointing any qualified person, the law states he must choose from a list recommended by the political party executive committee of the political party with which the vacating judge was affiliated when elected, preventing him from significantly changing the balance of power in those courts. The other significant change relates to incoming Attorney General Jeff Jackson. Under the new law, he will be required to defend the state legislatures bills when they are challenged at any level. Why did this happen?Current North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the bill, which also included some funds for disaster relief following Hurricane Helene, but Republicans have enough of a majority in both the states House and Senate to override gubernatorial vetos. Republicans, however, will narrowly lose their veto-proof supermajority in the House next year this bill represents the partys last chance to impose strict limits on the governorship and executive power. In many ways, North Carolina is a state primed for the sort of action the legislature took this week: The states executive branch has always been weak, Bitzer said.The General Assembly is the first among co-equal branches of government, Bitzer told Vox. And this is a long history, going back to colonial rule. So the executive branch is weak in general, and they serve at the discretionary authority of what the General Assembly assigns to them.This is not the first time the North Carolina General Assembly has weakened an incoming administrations power. Before Cooper started his first term in 2016, the General Assembly then also dominated by Republicans voted to curtail Coopers power over the state board of elections and have the state senate approve the governors Cabinet selections.They took [powers] from him in 2016, [and] they continued to take more powers throughout the rest of the cycle, Democratic North Carolina state Sen. Sydney Batch told Vox.What youve seen is an attrition of powers in every single elected office that has consistently gone Democratic.A similar dynamic played out in the 1970s, when Republican Jim Holzhauser was the governor and Democrats dominated the General Assembly. Republicans have taken similar action in other states as well: For example, Wisconsins Republican-dominated legislature also adopted measures to limit Democratic Gov. Tony Everss power before he took office in 2019.Whats nextIn the immediate term, there are likely to be challenges to the new law in court; however, if those challenges make their way up to the state supreme court, they will face a Republican-dominated bench. The new General Assembly will meet on January 29. The Senate will maintain a strong Republican majority, as will the House. Again, House Republicans are just one vote shy of a veto-proof supermajority with 71 seats; theyll need to appeal to at least some of the chambers 49 Democrats if they want to stymie Steins agenda. I think Stein and Jackson will certainly attempt to use their executive authority and any discretionary power that they feel they have to pursue their own goals, Bitzer said. But I think were in institutional battle lines between the legislature and the governor and other Democratic executive officers, and well just see how trench warfare plays itself out over the next four years.Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

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The Epic Games Store Holiday Sale is back, and it's offering discounts, big rewards, and even 16 free titles to players logging in regularlyTech17:40, 12 Dec 2024Updated 17:40, 12 Dec 2024Fortnite company Epic Games are offering 16 free titles(Image: Epic Games)The Steam Autumn Sale has not long ended, with the Winter one coming up fast, but rival storefront Epic Games Store has something just as worthy of your time.The company behind Fortnite (which launched its fantastic new LEGO Brick Life mode today) has been enticing players with freebies since it started, and today kicks off a run of 16 games that are up for grabs.Here's how to grab some freebies of your own and make the most of the discounts on offer.READ MORE: Secret Level blockbuster voice cast revealed as Amazon Prime show packs star powerREAD MORE: Bloodborne rumours shot down again dashing hopes of Game Awards unveilingThe Holiday Sale has begun, offering players 10% back to their Epic Games account up from the usual 5% until January 9, 2025.Big name titles like Dragon Age: The Veilguard, EA Sports FC 25, Frostpunk 2 and Planet Coaster 2 are discounted. The full lineup can be found here, with Hogwarts Legacy down to 12.49 and Red Dead Redemption 2 under 20.Expect big discounts and free gamesStill, the freebies are the big draw, and for the time being, these will roll around weekly.The first title on offer is Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, which sees players craft to survive in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-Earth.Article continues belowWe'll be sure to keep you updated of more freebies as they arrive, so be sure to check back here next Thursday.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.RECOMMENDED

The Game Awards 2024 is finally approaching, and rumours persist that we should be expecting huge announcements here's all we know so far, including when the event startsTech17:05, 12 Dec 2024Updated 17:05, 12 Dec 2024Could GTA 6 be at The Game Awards?(Image: Rockstar Games/AFP via Getty Ima)The Game Awards 2024 feels a little like Christmas for gamers, celebrating the year's games while giving us exciting stuff to look forward to in 2025.Half award ceremony and half game showcase, the event celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and rumours have suggested it'll be stuffed with huge announcements.We've heard talk about a Bloodborne revival, Grand Theft Auto 6, and even Half-Life 3 being at the showcase, but here's everything we know so far including when it's happening.READ MORE: Secret Level blockbuster voice cast revealed as Amazon Prime show packs star powerREAD MORE: Bloodborne rumours shot down again dashing hopes of Game Awards unveilingThe Game Awards are kicking off at half midnight UK time, meaning it's a late one for UK gamers.It's expected to run until around 4 AM UK time, meaning it'll be a stacked showcase.As always, you can enjoy The Game Awards via the official Twitch channel here, or you can watch on YouTube.All eyes are on Rockstar Games, with it now being more than a year since GTA 6's one and only trailer debuted.The legendary developer tends to reveal its titles on its own terms, so there's only a slim chance it'll appear at the event. Still, after a decade of The Game Awards, it'd make for a huge reveal.Could Gordon Freeman return today?(Image: Valve)Some have even suggested Half-Life 3 could debut at the show, with the game one of the most anticipated in history, as well as Bloodborne rumours although the latter has largely been shut down.One thing we know will be there is 2K's Mafia: The Old Country, after the trailer leaked earlier today, and the publisher's Borderlands 4 will also get a fresh look.Josef Fares, the man behind It Takes Two, A Way Out, and Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons will also showcase his team's next game.Given the immediate success of Marvel Rivals, there's every chance we may get a glimpse at one of the leaked characters for the popular hero shooter.Article continues belowWe're certainly hopeful we'll get a glimpse of the next Nintendo console, although that seems unlikely given the company tends to reveal its hardware on its own terms, but given it's due out in 2025, now would certainly get people talking.Personally, I'm hoping for something from Insomniac. We know Wolverine is coming, but the huge leak that hit the studio also suggested more projects in the Spider-Man universe a standalone Venom title would be perfect.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.RECOMMENDED

Despite all the sales and accolades, Black Myth: Wukong isnt as high as youd think (Game Science)You may think you know the most popular games of the year, but Googles own analytics tell a completely different story.While tonights The Game Awards is poised to celebrate the last 12 months of gaming (when its not hyping up whats to come in 2025 and beyond), Googles own annual wrap-up paints a very different picture of the 2024 the games industry has had.Google shared its breakdown of its most searched topics of 2024 on Thursday and its games section omits many of the biggest releases of the year.Game of the Year nominees like Elden Rings Shadow Of The Erdtree and indie darling Balatro are nowhere to be seen, with the top 10 list dominated by something else entirely.What was the highest-searching video game on Google in 2024?Believe it or not, Googles most searched game of the year is, of all things, the Connections game you can play on The New York Times website.Its not the only win for The New York Times either, with fellow puzzle game Strands coming in at eighth place. Maybe that shouldve been nominated for Game Of The Year? It did come out this past March.Admittedly, Connections and Strands are not only free but offer a new bite-sized puzzle every day, making them ideal for literally anyone looking for a quick distraction. Guess Wordles no longer the king (The New York Times)What are the most searched for video games on Google in 2024?When it comes to traditional video games, only four made it into Googles top 10; the first being Palworld in the number two spot. Were surprised to see it that high since interest in it seemed to wane considerably, following its January release.Then again, there was an awful lot of buzz surrounding its launch because of its Pokmon with guns concept. So even though its not that popular on Steam anymore (and probably not on consoles, if we had the stats) it was big enough earlier in the year to make the list.After that is Helldivers 2 in fifth place, which was also a massive live service hit at launch, that has somewhat faded from the public eye in recent months.Its then followed by two Chinese-developed titles: gacha game Wuthering Waves and action role-player Black Myth: Wukong in sixth and seventh place, the latter being the only Game of the Year nominee on the list.Google's most searched video games of 2024ConnectionsPalworldInfinite CraftSprunkiHelldivers 2Wuthering WavesBlack Myth: WukongStrandsBrawl StarsPokRogueThere is one mobile exclusive game in the top 10, and its 2018s Brawl Stars, a free-to-play multiplayer shooter from Finnish studio Supercell, the same company behind the seemingly immortal Clash Of Clans.More TrendingThe rest of the list is filled up by other free browser games: Infinite Craft (where players combine different elements to create new ones), Sprunki (some kind of rhythm game weve never even heard of), and PokRogue, a fan-made roguelike version of Pokmon that, strangely, Nintendo hasnt threatened with legal action.Were not sure what to take away from this list (or if theres anything to take away) but there is something amusing in seeing companies like Sony and Microsoft pump millions of dollars into cutting edge tech and live service games only to be outdone by simple puzzle games with zero monetisation.Although the presence of games like Helldivers 2 and Wuthering Waves may continue to incentivise some companies obsession with live service titles, it does at last seem as if the likes of Sony and Warner Bros. are finally beginning to lose interest. Wuthering Waves not a single one of miHoYos gacha role-players cracked into the top 10, but one of their chief rivals did (Kuro Games)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.ArrowMORE: Heres where to find your PlayStation 2024 Wrap-UpGameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Disney Lorcana European Challenge how to become a trading card champLucy OrrLucy OrrPublished December 12, 2024 5:00pm The final battle was a real rags to richest tale (Lucy Orr)Lorcana has held its last big tournament of the year in Europe, as Disneys hit new trading card game brings in the crowds.After the excitement of the 2024 Pokmon World Championships in Hawaii, a cloudy weekend in France doesnt have quite the same level of allure, but there was still plenty of buzz around the inaugural Lorcana European Challenge at Disneyland Paris last week. The community showed up in force, with over 2,500 fans spectating and playing the hit new trading card game.This three-day cardboard extravaganza brought together 96 of Europes most skilled Illumineers, (the name for Lorcana players), each vying for glory with their meticulously constructed decks. Against the backdrop of Disneyland Paris, and with a slew of innovative decks on display, the championship redefined the current Lorcana meta, influencing the decks players are likely to play at the North American Challenge in January.The European Challenge included players who had fought tooth and nail to qualify through regional challenge events in Lille, Bochum, Bologna, and Birmingham earlier in the year. The competitive fire was stoked even further by the addition of 32 players from the Last Chance Qualifier, held on December 6 (also at Disneyland Paris), making for an intensely competitive field. All who participated received a foil Extended Artwork Lorcana card of Baymax and Armored Companion card sleeves.The last chance qualifier (LCQ) ended up being core to the narrative of this challenge, as it was how champion Domingo Martinez got his chance to compete and ultimately win. Players were free to draw upon cards from any current Lorcana set, including the newly released Azurite Sea. The last chance qualifier showdowns were single elimination, best-of-three matches, where players competed in 32-player pods, with each pods winner advancing to the main event.The diversity of decks on display was awe-inspiring, with strategies ranging from classic control archetypes to aggressive tempo builds, incorporating the latest card synergies, with each player participating in the last chance qualifier receiving a Dragon Fire promo card.I spoke to competitor Jan Kleinsteiber, 23, from Germany: I started playing in March this year and I went from Pokemon TCG to the Locana TCG, not because I like the characters more, but because of the community. Its a bit friendlier community than most TCGs, the people have been awesome since Ive been here. Im myself a very competitive player, I want to be at the very top, so I try to compete at every event where I can. So Ive been in Lille and Bologna. Paris was the place to be for Lorcana fans this month (Disney)Although I come from Germany Im in a competitive team called Team Inkognito, though its a German team. Im a red/blue deck player myself. Red/blue was a very good call for the last chance qualifier yesterday. But there has have been so many mirror matches that a lot of player didnt came through in the aggro decks.Also, I think the amount of non-male people in the room is much higher than in any other events, because the brand of Disney is huge and also the TCG is very easy to get into. But also, the deck building aspect and the preparation and stuff is so deep, and you can go so deep into the whole universe of the card game, which makes the easy game very competitive.The main event spanned two days, until the top 16 players entered a single-elimination bracket, facing off in best-of-three matches. The final, however, was a best-of-five duel which actually ran to the full five matches, a true test of endurance, skill, and deck optimisation and a thrilling final that showcased the strategic depth and evolving meta of Disney Lorcana.Domingo Martinez claimed victory and was rewarded with four sets of the Azurite Sea expansion, encompassing all foil and enchanted cards, and the European Challenge trophy. More importantly, they secured an invitation to the Disney Lorcana TCG World Challenge slated for 2025 at Walt Disney World in Florida. That is quite the trophy design (Disney)Martinezs victory was propelled by his adept use of the ruby/amethyst deck. This strategy is renowned for its rapid deployment of efficient characters and versatile control elements. Key cards in his deck included lots of foxes, goats, and rabbits as well as Sisu Emboldened Warrior with the ability Surge of Power, which gets +1 Strength for each card in opponents hands.He was also fond of Elsa The Fifth Spirit, which offers immediate impact with Rush and Evasive abilities, allowing swift challenges and evasion from non-evasive opponents. The decks synergy between aggressive questing and control allowed Martinez to adapt to various opponents, maintaining pressure while managing threats effectively.I spoke to Martinez shortly after his victory: I started playing on the regionals for the DLC only. I made top 32 there, but I wasnt able to qualify for the European Championship. I did try on Friday at the first LCQ and now here I am. The community were supportive throughout the weekend and throughout the challenge. I will need some time, to process all the things that happened this weekend and obviously Im extremely happy.The challenge revealed fascinating new trends in the Lorcana meta. The top-performing decks often utilised synergies from new expansion Azurite Sea, which introduced powerful cards that bolster previously underrepresented strategies. Most cards arent this big (Lucy Orr)The European Challenge wasnt just about the main event though. Attendees had plenty of opportunities to engage in side events, from Pack Rush and Core Constructed tournaments to the newly introduced Illumineers Quest: Deep Trouble a cooperative experience that took place in a spooky Ursula the Sea Witch themed room, with huge purple tentacles twisting around the play tables.Spectators also got their share of Disney magic, with meet and greets with Disney characters, sessions with Lorcana illustrators and developers, and casual multiplayer matches that ensured there was something for everyone. Around 2,500 attended and everyone got a goodie bag to take home, with a Disney Lorcana Promo Card (non-foil Mickey Mouse, which you could get Mickey to sign) and, most importantly, a voucher for 20% off at the Disney souvenir shop.More TrendingDuring the challenge, the next two expansions for 2025 were announced, starting with Archazias Island, fronted by good boi Bolt, which seems to focus on pets and boasted new tricks. The second is Reign Of Jafar, where Illumineers might be in for a big battle against this well-known Aladdin baddie.At the end of the event, I spoke to Lorcana co-creator and game developer Steve Warner: This Challenge in Paris is amazing, and hopefully well see a lot more events happen. But the hope for the game is that it lasts for years and years and years. One of our primary goals of the game was to just bring families together. It gives families something thats so generational, in being Disney, and gives them a great tie into at-the-table play and chat that they can all love and all interact with on different levels.Weve got the World Championship next year and a bunch of new franchises coming out, where were gonna have Pocahontas and Pixar. I think Worlds is our next big focus, along with the North American Continentals that happened before that. And then its just kind of getting people to really see and interact with the new stories in Lorcana. Weve got the Reign Of Jafar coming, which will be a fun and exciting story.The European Championship was not just a celebration of competitive play but a testament to the growing popularity of this relatively new card game. It certainly cast a spell over the crowds in attendance and made it clear that Lorcana has a long-term future ahead of it, as one of the biggest trading card games in the world. Domingo Martinez is the current European champion (Disney)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Science & technology | Mystery storyHumans and Neanderthals met often, but only one event matters The mystery of exactly how people left Africa deepensPhotograph: Tom Bjrklund Dec 12th 2024In 2010 researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (EVA), in Leipzig, published the genome of Homo neanderthalensis, a species known in less progressive days as Neanderthal man. This contained stretches of DNA also found in Homo sapiens genomesspecifically, non-African ones. That suggested past interbreeding between the two, but only outside Africa. This is not surprising. Homo sapiens began in Africa but Neanderthals were Eurasian. Any miscegenation would have happened after sapiens left its homeland to embark on its conquest of the world. But the details were unclear.This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline Mystery storyFrom the December 14th 2024 editionDiscover stories from this section and more in the list of contentsExplore the editionReuse this content

Science & technology | The Babel wishMachine translation is almost a solved problemBut interpreting meanings, rather than just words and sentences, will be a daunting taskIllustration: Mark Pernice Dec 11th 2024|LisbonVasco Pedro had always believed that, despite the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), getting machines to translate languages as well as professional translators do would always need a human in the loop. Then he saw the results of a competition run by his Lisbon-based startup, Unbabel, pitting its latest AI model against the companys human translators. I was likeno, were done, he says. Humans are done in translation. Mr Pedro estimates that human labour currently accounts for around 95% of the global translation industry. In the next three years, he reckons, human involvement will drop to near zero.Explore moreArtificial intelligenceThis article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline The Babel wishFrom the December 14th 2024 editionDiscover stories from this section and more in the list of contentsExplore the editionReuse this content

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