Uneven levels of computer access at school are excluding many children from the information age and making them less likely to find jobs, say researchers. A two-year study by Sheffield and Loughborough universities found “enormous differences” in the number and quality of computers available to pupils depending on the school they attend. It says this means some pupils have more opportunity to develop IT skills than others. The researchers say pupils who miss out will be marginalised in the labour market as IT skills become more important. The study also found computer use does not contribute to social isolation because children are using technology in sophisticated ways.Investigating Children’s Use of the Net can be read at: www.shef.ac.ukgstaffvalentine_gillindex.html