Editor's note

Children today can access media through a range of different devices. With extended access, they are likely to be exposed to more violence on their screens. Caroline Fitzpatrick explains that this can make them think that the world is a more dangerous place than it actually is, making them antisocial, insensitive and manipulative.

The relationship between South African traditional leaders - kings and chiefs - and their communities has been problematic. This is especially so when it comes to land ownership and distributing proceeds from mining royalties which some leaders claim for themselves. But Sonwabile Mnwana says things are set to change, following a landmark ruling by the country’s Constitutional Court.

Moina Spooner

Commissioning Editor: East Africa

Top story

Cartoons often have scenes of physical or verbal violence. Chris Beckett/Flickr

Watching violence on screens makes children more emotionally distressed

Caroline Fitzpatrick, Université Sainte-Anne

Children exposed to scenes of violence may develop a view that the world is more dangerous than it actually is.

Politics + Society

South African court resets power balance between villagers, mines and chiefs

Sonwabile Mnwana, University of Fort Hare

South Africa has made progress towards interrupting the looting of land by chiefs, state officials and mining capital.

Two smart ways to help curb reoffending in South Africa’s prisons

Casper Lӧtter, University of the Free State

Introducing companion animals to South African prisoners and encouraging them to write could aid their rehabilitation.

Health + Medicine

  • Aspirin could help reduce HIV infections in women

    Colin Graydon, University of Manitoba; Monika Kowatsch, University of Manitoba

    Research shows that Aspirin could reduce the number of HIV infections in women at high risk for HIV, such as Kenyan female sex workers.

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