Online etiquette must be taught in classrooms

Can we protect children from the darker aspects of the internet? That was the question put to the panel last night, when the Spectator hosted a feisty discussion about the effects of technology on childhood. Child abuse, pornography and online dating were discussed, as was the idea that children have become self-centered and socially inept.

Andrew Neil chaired the event, and was joined by culture minister Ed Vaizey, psychologist Oliver James, The Spectator’s Rory Sutherland and Microsoft’s Jacqueline Beauchere. Each panelist presented a different angle on the subject of The ‘Always On’ Generation, but all agreed that technology had created new opportunities and challenges.

Ed Vaizey took the stage first, and explained how the government is attempting to protect children from the three main abuses of the internet: pornography, child abuse and adult content. He discussed how close work with internet service providers has enabled them to begin to curb these issues.