'Frightening safety risks': Women warned about the dangers of using period tracker apps
Women face "frightening privacy and safety risks" when using period tracker apps, experts have warned.
The personal information collected in these apps - including exercise, diet, medication, sexual preferences, hormone levels and contraception use - could be "sold at scale" to pose "risks and harms for users", academics from the University of Cambridge said.
A report from experts at the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy stated that menstrual data can offer insights into women's health and their reproductive choices, making the apps that collect them a "gold mine" for consumer profiling.
"There are real and frightening privacy and safety risks to women as a result of the commodification of the data collected by cycle tracking app companies," Dr Stefanie Felsberger, lead author of the report said.
The researchers said many women download the apps when they are trying to get pregnant, which leads to a shift in shopping behaviour.
"Data on who is pregnant, and who wants to be, has therefore emerged as some of the most sought-after information in digital advertising," they said.
The report stated that cycle tracking apps (CTA) "are a lucrative business because they provide the companies behind the apps with access to extremely valuable and fine-grained user data".
"CTA data is not only commercially valuable and shared with an inextricable net of third parties (thereby making intimate user information exploitable for targeted advertising), but it also poses severe security risks for users," the authors wrote.
The experts point out that the collected data could result in health insurance "discrimination", risks to job prospects or even domestic abuse if it lands in the wrong hands.
They called for better governance of the "femtech" industry, including improved data security and "meaningful consent options" in these apps and urged public health bodies to launch alternatives to commercial period tracking apps.
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The Independent
13 minutes ago
- The Independent
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The Sun
14 minutes ago
- The Sun
I'm a psychologist and there are 5 things your kids must NEVER do if they have ADHD – or they risk making symptoms worse
MOST of us will know someone with ADHD - maybe a person in your friendship group, a work colleague, even your own son or daughter. While it's commonly understood that people with ADHD have difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, it's less well known what can exacerbate symptoms, especially among children. 3 Children are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD - which stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder - than adults. The condition can be identified at any age, but symptoms typically begin in childhood. While the condition affects both children and adults, the experience and challenges can differ significantly. Children often struggle more with hyperactivity and impulsivity, so knowing how not to exacerbate your child's symptoms is very important. There's been a notable increase in diagnoses over the past two decades, particularly among adults, and we know so much more about it - although figures suggest many cases remain undiagnosed. As of 2024, 2.6 million people in the UK were estimated to have ADHD, approximately 708,000 children and 1.9 million adults. Prescriptions for ADHD increased significantly from around 25 items per 1,000 people in 2019-20 to 41.55 items in 2023-24. But this increase isn't necessarily due to a true surge in cases. It reflects a number of factors, such as increased awareness and recognition of the condition, updates in diagnostic guidelines, and sociocultural pressures such as overstimulating digital environments. While the rise partly reflects these factors, it also raises important questions about overdiagnosis, the medicalisation of typical behaviour, and the need for individualised care. Do you or your child have ADHD- Here's the NHS test as Brits waiting two years for diagnosis To better understand the condition, chartered counselling psychologist Dr Sheena Kumar shared everything you need to know - from telltale signs to what to avoid. 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According to Dr Kumar, the following symptoms always start in childhood, even if they weren't recognised: Losing focus, even in conversations or reading Misplacing things, forgetting tasks, or missing deadlines Struggling to start or finish tasks that need mental effort Feeling restless, talking a lot, or interrupting without meaning, which impacts your relationships Having trouble managing time, emotions, or priorities For adults, it might look less like physical hyperactivity and more like feeling mentally scattered or overwhelmed all the time, says Dr Kumar. What NOT to do if you have ADHD For people with ADHD, their brain works differently to neurotypical people, especially in areas like attention, impulse control, and executive functioning. Because of this, some habits and choices can make symptoms worse or lead to burnout - especially for kids. Dr Kumar says: "You want to find ways to support your brain rather than to add extra demand to it." ADHD in children and young people Symptoms of ADHD usually start before the age of 12. A child or young person may show signs of being inattentive, such as: being easily distracted finding it hard to listen to what people are saying or to follow instructions forgetting everyday tasks, like brushing their teeth or putting on socks They may show signs of being hyperactive and impulsive, including: having high energy levels fidgeting or tapping their hands and feet talking noisily feeling restless, or getting up and moving around when they're supposed to sit still finding it hard to wait their turn, or interrupting conversations Most children and young people with ADHD have symptoms of both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive type. Some only show signs of one type. ADHD is thought to be recognised less often in girls than boys. This may be because girls with ADHD more commonly have inattentive symptoms and these can be harder to recognise. If you're worried that ADHD may be affecting your child, talk to one of their teachers. The teacher will usually make a referral to the school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO), who can discuss support in the classroom or with homework, or help with building confidence and friendships. If you're still worried or you think your child needs additional support, you may want to make an appointment with a GP. Source: NHS Here are five things she recommends to avoid: 1. Prioritise sleep People with ADHD tend to have a higher rate of sleep disorders. Studies indicate that 50 to 80 per cent of people with ADHD experience sleep difficulties, including a higher likelihood of insomnia, sleep apnoea, periodic limb movement disorder, and restless leg syndrome. For children, ADHD can lead to trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, and getting up in the morning. And sleep deprivation amplifies ADHD symptoms. It hinders the brain's ability to concentrate, making it more challenging for individuals with ADHD to stay focused and attentive. Dr Kumar advises: "Prioritise sleep, and if you struggle, research and try different ways to help sleep." 2. Don't overcommit The impulsivity and difficulty with time management associated with ADHD can contribute to taking on more tasks than one can realistically manage. Kids in particular may also struggle to say 'no'. This could be related to schoolwork, exams, or social situations such as hanging out with their friends. But overcommitment can be particularly problematic for individuals with ADHD, often leading to stress, burnout, and difficulty following through on commitments. Dr Kumar says: "Learning to say 'no' doesn't make you rude, it makes you honest." 3. 'Just try harder' The belief that someone with ADHD must exert extra effort to perform tasks can negatively impact self-esteem, warns Dr Kumar. This can be due to a combination of factors, including the feeling of being constantly behind, the internalisation of external criticism, and the challenges associated with emotional regulation. Telling a child with ADHD to 'just try harder' is ineffective and can be harmful because ADHD is a neurological condition, not a lack of effort or motivation. Instead of focusing on the perceived need to exert more effort, people with ADHD should adopt strategies to improve focus, organisation, and overall functioning. These strategies should be tailored to individual needs and preferences, and may include using tools to manage time and tasks, incorporating physical activity, and seeking professional guidance. 4. Ignore your emotions People with ADHD shouldn't ignore their emotions because neglecting them can lead to a number of difficulties. Children with ADHD may especially have difficulty regulating and managing their emotions. This can potentially result in intense outbursts and difficulty managing everyday situations. "Working on regulation skills helps," says Dr Kumar. 5. Never self-diagnose or self-medicate While parents are key to recognising potential ADHD symptoms and initiating the process of seeking a diagnosis from a doctor, they should never diagnose their child with the condition themselves. Self-diagnosing and self-medicating ADHD is strongly discouraged because it can lead to inaccurate diagnoses, ineffective treatment, and potential harm. A formal diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional, and treatment plans should be tailored to individual needs under the supervision of a medical professional. You risk the danger of making symptoms worse, says Dr Kumar. The best way to get diagnosed To go down the NHS route, visit your GP and ask for a referral to an ADHD specialist (only certain professionals are qualified to diagnose, such as psychiatrists and psychologists). Dr Kumar advises: "You'll usually be asked to bring examples of how your symptoms affect your daily life. "But note - while the NHS pathway is free, unfortunately waiting times can be up to three years. "If a private assessment is an option for you, diagnosis tends to be a lot quicker. "In my clinic I also do online ADHD assessment and diagnosis with adults." What happens if ADHD is never diagnosed? ADHD that is never diagnosed can hide under layers of frustration, burnout, or health issues. A diagnosis can be the first step toward understanding yourself, finding effective strategies, and feeling less alone. Dr Kumar adds: "Many people experience underachievement, feeling capable but consistently falling short due to disorganisation, missed deadlines, or procrastination. "This often leads to low self-esteem, with individuals internalising harmful beliefs like 'I'm lazy' which can increase the risk of anxiety and depression. "Without understanding the root cause, people may turn to coping mechanisms like excessive caffeine, or other substances to self-regulate. "Relationships may also suffer due to impulsivity, forgetfulness, or emotional reactivity, all of which can create unnecessary conflict. "Getting a diagnosis can bring clarity, relief, and a starting point for meaningful support." How ADHD is treated For some people, just knowing their diagnosis brings relief as it helps them to make sense of themselves and they do not want formalised treatment. For those that want treatment, that can look like a combination of medication, psychological support, and lifestyle adjustments, says Dr Kumar. She explains: "Psychological therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), support managing time, emotions, and daily challenges, often alongside coaching and family education. "Lifestyle changes like establishing routines, using organisational tools, exercising, and prioritising good sleep also play an important role. " Schools may provide additional support through formal plans, and regular follow-ups with healthcare professionals ensure the treatment is effective and adjusted as needed. "Overall, treatment is personalised to help improve daily functioning and quality of life."
BBC News
17 minutes ago
- BBC News
Hospital backlog drops to lowest level in two years in England
The backlog in routine hospital treatments in England has reached its lowest level for two for the end of April showed the waiting list dropped to 7.39 million, down from 7.42 million in it is nine years since the NHS has met its target of 92% of patients being seen in 18 weeks – currently it is just below 60%. The government has made meeting the target one of its key missions for this parliament – and on Wednesday announced above-inflation rises for the NHS in the coming years to help achieve to the latest figures, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, said: "We are putting the NHS on the road to recovery." And he added this was "just the start" as the extra investment announced in the spending review, which will see the NHS budget rise by 3% a year in the next three years, combined with reforms that will be announced in the 10-year plan due next month, would help build on what has been drop in the numbers on the waiting list, which covers people waiting for routine treatments like hip and knee operations, came after March saw a rise in numbers – the first time in six months the waiting list had gone a little bit of fluctuation from month to month is normally seen, the government said it was clear the numbers waiting were on a downward peak occurred in September 2023, when the waiting list climbed to nearly 7.8 million. 'Short-term wins' Meghana Pandit, of NHS England, said the progress being made was "thanks to NHS staff"."We are determined to continue on this trajectory for patients as staff work to turn the tide for patients waiting for care, and while huge pressure on services remains, we are starting to see a real difference across our services."Key targets for cancer care and A&E continue to be made, although there are signs of progress, the government said. The health services in the rest of the UK nations are also missing their key Tim Cooksley, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said significant problems still remained in England, pointing out that the number of 12-hour waits in emergency departments went up last month compared with the previous said a major problem facing hospitals was the lack of social care available in the causes delayed discharges where patients fit to leave hospital cannot go, because they need support to return home or to a care home. That in turn slows the ability of hospitals to see new patients coming in via A&E, or for routine said: "Social care remains unaddressed - and will do for the foreseeable future after the spending review announcement - so patients will continue to wait extended periods of time and often in corridors."The issue remains that, for all the rhetoric of investment, plans and solutions, the government is too focused on short-term quick wins which will fail to deliver effective and lasting change."
