Researchers at Drexel University’s College of Computing & Informatics analyzed more than 35,000 Google Play reviews of Replika, a chatbot marketed as a judgment-free virtual friend. The study found more than 800 complaints describing harassment and inappropriate conduct, including unsolicited sexual advances and explicit images.
A pro-suicide forum is under investigation by the UK's online regulator - its first using new powers under the Online Safety Act.
The forum, which Ofcom has not named, is understood to be a site BBC News has been investigating for the last three years, linking it to at least 50 deaths in the UK.
Banning phones in schools is not linked to pupils getting higher grades or having better mental wellbeing, the first study of its kind suggests.
Students' sleep, classroom behaviour, exercise or how long they spend on their phones overall also seems to be no different for schools with phone bans and schools without, the academics found.
The person demanded money and threatened to share John’s image online, a crime commonly referred to as sextortion. John lost more than £3,000 trying to stop the blackmailer from sharing the image.
When he had no more money to offer - fearing there was no way out - John thought about taking his own life.
EE, which is owned by BT, said it aims to improve children's "digital wellbeing" after receiving increasing requests for guidance from parents.
It said that under-11s should be given "non-smart" devices that have similar capabilities as old brick phones.
The recommendation - announced for the start of the new school year - comes amid growing concern about the effects of smartphone and internet usage on children's mental health and behaviour.
More than 700 people in the UK have posted on a pro-suicide website looking for someone to die with, a BBC investigation has found.
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