Internet Age kids can run rings round me (and perhaps some teachers) – Helen Martin

Last week I ranted about how digital technology, especially with call centres shut down, is causing major problems for customers who cannot make contact with firms, even if they’re paying them every month.

Children can be remarkably adept at using computers, with many having learned to use them from a young age (Picture: Peter Byrne/PA)

There have been many complaints about utility suppliers, emergency repairs, broadband, TV and phone systems etc.

And customers who suffer are the elderly with technological limitations and no human to phone. It’s very different for youngsters.

I refuse to name the children I know or the school, but here’s a true Lothians story of how ten-year-old kids can use technology.

They were “schooling” at home in a “Zoom” class. For a laugh, a group rejected one of their mates by reporting him to Google somehow and banning him from the class.

The last I heard was that the group was now trying to plan how they could block the teacher. Probably the school and the teacher weren’t happy about all that but I was laughing my head off.

I imagine the worse thing that would happen to them in future would be a broadband collapse and the need to deal with everything by phone or letters.

Kids today never need to be taught about dealing with digital technology. So many toddlers start with a tablet and off they go.

I was in my late 20s when we began using computers in newspapers. I was 36 before I had a home PC. Now I still struggle with loads of online aspects. But at least that ten-year-old can help me.

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