BY KHADIJA KARIM

One of the most famous online gaming platforms in the world, Roblox, has recently introduced new security guidelines and measures to help keep its younger users safe. Roblox is taking steps to make it safer, especially for players under the age of 13, as the platform has millions of users, many of whom are children and teenagers.

The ability of the platform for children under 13 to communicate is one significant shift. These younger players will no longer be able to send, or receive messages outside of games, according to Roblox. This implies that they are no longer able to use the platform’s messaging feature to have private conversations with friends, or strangers. Roblox is reducing the possibility of inappropriate talks, or unwanted contact from strangers by limiting communications within the game chats only. Roblox claims that these changes will protect children while keeping the ability to use the platform.

Why is Roblox doing all this? Safety has always been a challenge for big online platforms, and Roblox is no exception. Even though it’s a fun and creative space for players, there have been reports of inappropriate behavior, scams, and other dangers. By making these changes, Roblox hopes to protect kids while still allowing them to enjoy the platform.

These updates are part of Roblox’s bigger effort to balance safety with fun. They want everyone to have a great time exploring the game, but they also want to make sure kids are protected while they do it. With these new rules, Roblox is showing that it cares about its players and is willing to take big steps to keep them safe.

If you’re a kid who loves Roblox, these changes might feel a little strange, or different at first. It might take some time to get used to not being able to message outside of games. In the long run, these updates are going to make Roblox a much safer and more enjoyable place for everyone. It’s all about making sure you can keep having fun and being creative while staying safe at the same time. Roblox is proving that safety and fun can go hand in hand!

BY AMARI SUKHDEO

Living in Canada means embracing a diverse climate, from sun-filled summers to long, dark winters. While this variety has its charm, it also brings challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D. Often called the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is crucial for health, but surprisingly difficult to obtain in Canada without supplementation.

Vitamin D is unique because our bodies produce it when our skin is exposed to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. However, Canada’s geographic location limits the strength and duration of UVB exposure for much of the year. From October to March, the angle of the sun is too low to provide enough UVB for sufficient vitamin D production, even on the brightest days. Add to that the reality of freezing temperatures that keep most of us indoors or bundled in layers, and it’s easy to see why vitamin D deficiency is so common in Canada.

This deficiency can have serious consequences for health. Vitamin D is essential for helping the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Without adequate levels, children can develop rickets—a condition that leads to soft and weak bones—while adults face an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Vitamin D’s benefits extend far beyond bone health. It plays a vital role in supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and even helping to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.

In recent years, research has shed light on the vitamin’s potential to reduce the severity of respiratory illnesses, including colds and the flu. This is particularly relevant for Canadians, who spend much of the year indoors during the cold season, where viruses can spread more easily. Some studies have even explored the link between adequate vitamin D levels and protection against severe outcomes from respiratory infections, making supplementation a practical measure for boosting overall resilience.

Unfortunately, getting enough vitamin D from food alone is challenging. While it’s found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, as well as fortified products like milk and orange juice, these sources typically don’t provide sufficient amounts to meet daily needs. That’s where vitamin D supplements come in. Health Canada recommends that adults under 70 aim for 600 to 800 IU (international units) of vitamin D per day, with older adults requiring even more to maintain optimal bone health. Many experts suggest that during the winter months, most Canadians should consider taking a daily supplement to bridge the gap.

Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels isn’t just about avoiding deficiency, it’s about thriving. A simple daily supplement can: boost your energy, enhance immune function, and support long-term health. So, as winter settles in and the sun becomes a distant memory, think of vitamin D as a little bottle of sunshine, keeping you healthy and strong until spring returns.

For more information on vitamin D recommendations and tips for Canadians, visit Health Canada’s guide.

BY YAHYA KARIM

Art has been a part of human history for thousands of years, from ancient cave paintings to art pieces in museums. Today, technology is changing the way we create and sell art. One of the biggest changes is the rise of NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, which are transforming the art world. But what exactly is an NFT?

An NFT is a digital item that is unique and proves that by something called blockchain. A blockchain is a secure, digital record that tracks all transactions. It’s like a list that can’t be changed or erased. It’s the same technology that powers cryptocurrencies like Ethereum or Bitcoin. When you own an NFT, the blockchain shows that you own the original version of a digital item, like a piece of art, even though others can copy or share it online.

To buy or store NFTs, you need a crypto wallet. This is a digital wallet where you can keep your cryptocurrency, (like Bitcoin or Ethereum), and your NFTs. Think of it as an online wallet for digital items or currency.

The rise of NFTs is also affecting traditional art. The NFT market is currently worth around $7.7 billion, and it’s expected to grow to $125 billion by 2027. Some NFTs have sold for more than $10 million. NFTs share many qualities with modern art, but they also have some unique advantages. Since they exist on a blockchain, they can’t be destroyed by accidents, or hacking, unlike physical art.

The excitement around NFTs comes from several factors. People are fascinated by this new digital art and are wanting to take part in it. Whether you love the works of Picasso or Banksy, it’s clear that the art world is changing. In the future, the art world might just completely become digital.

In conclusion, NFTs are changing how art will be perceived from now on. While traditional art may always have its own level of respect, digital art is becoming more important, and NFTs are leading the way in this era for the art world.