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Lords debates children and the internet

20 November 2014 (updated on 20 November 2014)

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Members of the Lords debated how the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) impacts on children’s and young people’s online and digital interactions, on 20 November.

Members highlighted the necessity to protect children from online bullying, online sexual exploitation, grooming by predators and websites such as those glorifying anorexia and self-harm. Members also spoke about the advantages of the internet, with the use of technology in education featuring prominently, and raised the need for effective teacher training in this area.

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth (Conservative), government spokesperson, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, said the government’s new computing curriculum will ensure children become computer literate and have the ability to use digital technologies responsibly and safely. He stated the government is determined to tackle cyber-bullying, including online child sexual exploitation, giving consideration to the UNCRC when developing new policy.

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