Netflix’s Adolescence sparks spike in Kent parents stopping children having smartphones

The number of parents intending not to give their child a smartphone before the age of 14 is on the rise, as a Netflix show highlights the dangers.

‘We don’t know how dangerous it is’: Fears over number of school-aged vapers

There are concerns about the side effects on vaping as the number of teenagers addicted to the habit are revealed.

Youth club secures ‘lifeline’ £50k donation after American businessman’s ‘hometown visit’

A youth club at risk of closure due to funding cuts has been provided with a funding “lifeline” thanks to a generous donation from a former resident.

Classroom phone ban improves pupil behaviour and cuts online bullying

A school that makes pupils lock their phones away at the start of the day has won an award for the policy’s positive impact on its children.

Charity faces ‘crunch time’ as council rejects bids to buy building

A youth charity has had two bids to buy its home of 12 years turned down, as the cash-strapped county council looks to sell the premises

Fewer parents winning appeals over free school taxis

The county council has paid out £340k less to parents in the last year after the number winning appeals over free school transport halved.

Parents fume as ‘packed’ school bus service cancelled

Angry parents have branded a bus company “irresponsible” after it axed a service used by “herds of children”.

Popular beauty store returning to shopping centre

A beauty branch is set to open at Bluewater this year after closing its previous branch back in 2012.

The driving test centres in Kent where most people pass and fail

We found out why some of the county’s eight driving test centres have better pass rates than others.

‘There are talented, dedicated kids in this town and I don’t think people realise’

A personal trainer coaching young athletes in a town plagued with stories of unruly youths says there are also dedicated, hard-working kids there.