A new generation of cybertots is surfing the net almost as soon as it can speak. The state of Pennsylvania in the United States is launching a “Cyberstart” programme to give 4,000 day centres for three to five-year-olds, access to computers and the Internet.

Although Internet access in British pre-schools is still rare, it seems only a matter of time before such a scheme is launched here.

But according to Iain Lauchlan whose company Tell-Tale Producations created The Tweenies, if British schools are going to capitalise on cyber technology then teachers will have to be far better trained than they are now.

Writing in The TES he says: “Unfortunately, the information and communication revolution is leaving teachers behind.”

Mr Lauchlan also calls for a forum to be established to allow teachers, technology experts and programme-makers to exchange knowledge and information on what works best for children.

Opinion, 10

Details at www.cyberstart.net