(CNN) The President of North Macedonia walked an 11-year-old girl with Down syndrome to school after he heard she was being bullied.
President Stevo Pendarovski held Embla Ademi’s hand as he walked her to her elementary school in the city of Gostivar on Monday.
Embla has experienced bullying at school due as a result of having Down syndrome — a genetic condition that causes learning disabilities, health problems and distinctive facial characteristics — a spokesperson for the President’s office told CNN.
Pendarovski also sat down with Embla’s family and gave her gifts, according to a video shared by his office.
Pendarovski “talked to Embla’s parents about the challenges she and her family face on a daily basis,” and discussed solutions, his office said in a press release.
“We are all equal in this society. I came here to give my support and to raise awareness that inclusion is a basic principle.” – President Stevo Pendarovski
“The President said that the behavior of those who endanger children’s rights is unacceptable, especially when it comes to children with atypical development,” the statement said.
“They should not only enjoy the rights they deserve, but also feel equal and welcome in the school desks and schoolyard … ” read more.
Bill Aims To Curb Harm Of Social Media On The TikTok Generation
KAISER HEALTH NEWS, Feb 17, 2022
Congress recently held five hearings on the potential dangers for children and teens under age 17.
The bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act of 2022 aims to force companies like TikTok and Meta to better protect younger users, boost privacy, and subject themselves to independent checks.
The bill, sponsored by Sens. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., came as Congress held five hearings on the dangers of social media for children and teens aged 16 or younger in recent months, including one at which a whistleblower who testified against Facebook — now Meta — about internalized documents that showed the tech giant prioritized profits over the mental well-being of children … read more.
