Professor Brian O'Neill:

There already is some good representation of Internet safety issues in the school curriculum. Part of the difficulty, however, is the ability or otherwise of schools to address the issue comprehensively and consistently. The social, personal and health education programme offers many opportunities and curriculum points for discussing children's use of technology. We must acknowledge that digital interaction is part and parcel of how children communicate, learn and access entertainment. It is important that teachers have sufficient resources and training available to them to make the best use of technology in the context of a world that is rapidly evolving. Children's usage of new technologies will proceed apace. Having opportunities within the curriculum to emphasise consistently across all subject areas the importance of effective and responsible use of online or connected technologies is crucial. That issue is getting a good deal of attention, both within education and in the wider policy discussions.