10 January 2007

The government aims to ensure that all children have access to the Internet outside of school hours, it has emerged.

Schools minister Jim Knight is expected to unveil plans for a new taskforce to tackle the "digital divide" at the Bett educational technology show, the BBC reports.

Some 800,000 youngsters currently have no opportunity to access the web except in school, according to the government, with after-school clubs and Internet provision in homes viewed as possible solutions.

Mr Knight is expected to comment: "We need to come up with a sustainable solution which will work for future generations as well as this one, building on existing good practice rather than looking for a quick fix."

Industry bodies, charities and education officials will all be incorporated into the initiative, which could lead to additional projects once the initial goal is achieved, he is expected to add.

Education secretary Alan Johnson recently announced his belief that the Internet has the capacity to improve a youngster's academic performance and strengthen bonds between parents and schools.

© Adfero Ltd

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