RSA Vodafone Event - Young people and technology: opportunities and pitfalls in a virtual world

20th Nov 2008; 18:30

Please right-click button and choose "Save Link As..." to download audio file onto your computer.

Internet, mobile phone and wireless technologies are offering access to information and a connection to the wider world that was unthinkable for the average young person 10 years ago. With the advent of mobile phone family plans, tracking devices in trainers and school uniforms, and ‘Wii’ home educational games, hi-tech gadgets and systems are at once granting parents better connectivity to their children, and at the same time allowing young people a secure and healthy independence from their parents.

But with great progress comes great responsibility.  From ‘happy-slapping’ to cyberbullying to online predators, the opportunities offered by access to these technologies also have the potential to put young people at risk.

As we embark upon National Anti-Bullying Week (17-21 Nov), we are compelled to ask:   What structures can we put in place to reduce the risks and how do we draw the line between ensuring protection and allowing free access? And what is the role of government, regulatory bodies, parents and teachers?

Join award-winning teacher and star of “The Unteachables” Phil Beadle, international internet consultant on child safety John Carr; media literacy consultant,Cary Bazalgette;  and Sarah Dyer, director of new media, Beatbullying, as we explore the best and worst that technology has to offer our children.

Chair: Rory Cellan-Jones, technology correspondent, BBC News

Download full lecture and Q&A Session (MP3)

(Please right-click link and choose "Save As..." to download file onto your computer.)