This iPad case is priced at £41 ($63).

Via: Luisviaroma

The Grove Bamboo iPhone 5 case, crafted from renewable bamboo, is sanded by hand and polished with citrus oil. A "solid surface material" underneath the case is meant to protect your gadget from accidental damage.

Each case can either be ordered as a plain version or engraved with a number of symbols and patterns. 

The Grove Bamboo iPhone 5 case can be ordered for $79.

Via: Grovemade

Hard Graft's #OldFashioned collection includes a case suitable for the iPhone 5.

The owner says that the vegetable tanned Italian leather, small gold logo and red and white ribbon are meant to create a fresh and quality feel. The case develops a caramel tint the more it is exposed to sunlight, measures 14.5cm x 7cm, and has subtle slots for credit cards as well as an opening for your headphones. The case is lined in Italian wool. 

The case is priced at £82 ($125).

Via: Hard Graft

Designed by Stella McCartney, the Falabella faux brushed-leather iPhone 4 sleeve is trimmed with a chain in a gold tone and, naturally, comes with a designer hanging tag so you can make sure everyone knows it is a high-end product.

Compatible with both the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, this iPhone sleeve will only set you back £165 ($253).

Via: Net-a-Porter

As part of Fendi's 2012/13 Autumn Winter collection, a number of products appeared on the catwalk which appear to be handbags, but are actually hand-held iPad cases. The collection is made of designs from leather, tapestry, furs and skins in hard frames complete with handles -- and the bill for one of them is likely to make your eyes water.

Via: HomeKlondlike.com

Made in Italy, Gucci's blue crocodile iPad 2 case has been fashioned with a blue leather trim, palladium hardware and hook-and-loop closures at the top to keep your gadget secure.

The iPad case is able to fit all iPad models currently on the market, sized at 15.7"W x 9.7"H when open, and 8.5"W x 9.7"H x 1"D closed.

This iPad case is priced at $3450.

Via: Gucci

Stella McCartney's holographic faux leather iPad sleeve isn't to everyone's taste, but if you are a fan of metallic material, this holographic sleeve could be a fun buy.

This iPad case is priced at £145 ($223).

Via: Net-a-Porter

The Taktik Extreme 5, suitable for use with the iPhone 5, is designed with the adventurous type in mind. 

Gorilla Glass has been used for additional screen protection -- without affecting touchscreen responses -- and the case is touted as a way to prevent both dust ingression and as a way to keep your smartphone safe from damage due to water. 

 Available in black or white, the case is priced at $124.95.

Via: Lunatik

Nancy Gonzalez's crocodile iPad case is a pink and girly accessory to protect your mobile gadget. Made from crocodile skin, the iPad case is compatible with all iPad models, and measures in at 8"W x 10"H.

However, it won't be a cheap buy, as this iPad case is priced at £2,205 ($3393).

Via: Net-a-Porter

The Tyler iPad case, complete with signature Jimmy Choo star hardware and detail, is made of calf leather tanned black.

The silver stars add a modern age to the case, and there is also a matching handbag available. The iPad case measures in at L21 x H26x W0.5cm.

The iPad case is priced at £295 ($454).

Via: Jimmy Choo

Made in Italy, Christian Louboutin's Cris Calf Spikes iPad case is available in black or in black and silver, and could go well with a pair of the designer's iconic spiked heels (complete with red soles, of course.)

This iPad case is priced at £483 ($743).

Via: Luisaviaroma

A different style than Gucci's blue crocodile iPad case, the brown version is made in crocodile skin and includes brown leather detail and the iconic Gucci trademark. Made in Italy, this variation has a zip closure close to the handle, and also comes with 12 card slots.

Open, the iPad case's measurements stand at 18.5"W x 11"H, and closed are 9"W x 11"H x 1.2"D.

This iPad case is priced at $5700.

Via: Gucci

This iPhone 5 cover from designer brand Mulberry is simplistic and lacks the fuss, sequins and flashy color of other luxury cases. The unfussy but classy cover features an embossed Mulberry tree in hard wearing leather. 

The Mulbery case is priced at £90 ($138)

Via: John Lewis

The Little Pocket Book for iPhone 5 allows you to double protection for your gadget with space to stash away money or credit cards. Complete with a hand-stitched leather cover and available in a range of colors, the case also includes a wood frame made of baltic birch to help protect your iPhone from accidental drops. 

The case allows you to access all device ports including charging and headphone jacks. 

The Little Pocket Book is priced at $59.99.

Via: Pad and Quill

Gresso's Titanium Black case for the iPhone 5 is made of titanium and comes with a black PVD coating for a distinct, glossy black color. Protecting your iPhone from damage to each side as well as dust and scratches, the titanium cover is as strong as steel and is resistant to sunlight, corrosion and moisture. 

The case weighs 35 grams and is highlighted with a 'Gresso' engraving.

The luxury case looks good but is only for those with deep pockets, as you can expect to pay $1000.

Via: Gresso

The EXO16 Black Aluminum Zircote Composite iPhone case is some of the strongest protection out there for your gadget. The cover is made of a strong phenolic resin composite core, capped at each end with Anodized Aluminum to prevent accidental drop damage.

For further protection, the EXO16 is held together with four stainless steel screws, which need to be removed to take off the case. 

The price of each case is $230. A custom engraving can be added for $40.

Via: Exovault

As a bonus, if you've had your fill of fur and crocodile skin, one designer hosted on Etsy has come up with an iPad case design that panders to lovers of bacon.

The Bacon Case is handmade, and as such is created to specifications based on which model you own. From a Macbook to the new iPad or iPad Mini, this weird but cool accessory is fashioned from wool, felt and olive soap.

This iPad case is priced at £46 ($70).

Via: Etsy

"The lack of a delete button on the Internet is a significant issue. There is a time when erasure is a right thing."

These are the words of Eric Schmidt, Google's Executive Chairman, and they are likely to resonate with many of us.

The Internet is an incredible thing. It has resulted in the sharing of information, technological expansion, the creation of completely new industries and allows us to better communicate with our peers. However, with such connectivity -- coupled with our new-found obsession with mobile gadgets -- there is also responsibility.

As reported by sister site CNET, while discussing a new book written by Schmidt and Jared Cohen, director of Google Ideas, the Google exec used the example of a crime committed as a minor -- wiped from official records but still found online, which prevented someone from securing a job.

In the eyes of Schmidt, the Internet -- while a powerful tool -- may end up hampering the "sense of fairness that's culturally true for all of us" in the United States.

When Facebook first introduced the Timeline feature, there was a mad rush to delete and remove posts, status updates and photos that were suddenly being thrown out of the closet, thought long forgotten. I doubt I was the only one to cringe at a ridiculous update or online conversation conducted years ago -- just as the case of Paris Brown represents. As Britain's first youth police and crime commissioner, Brown was meant to be providing a young person's perspective on policing, but the 17-year old became embroiled in an investigation over tweets she had sent between the ages of 14 and 16.

These tweets were considered "homophobic, racist and violent," and although prosecution did not go ahead, Brown decided not to take up the paid role -- and the media exposure is likely to impact her future career.

There is a lesson for all of us here when it comes down to our digital footprint. During an event at New York University in Manhattan, Schmidt told attendees that while mistakes made when young can eventually be wiped from an adult's record, copies and records of incidents can still be found online -- in the same way that we can be profiled based on social media activity, photos and comments.

Generation Y have been the first exposed fully to the concept of protecting your digital footprint -- as best you can. As they grew up and explored the Internet, digital citizenship has been discussed, social media networks have exploded, and more than a few of the 18-30's generation change their surname on Facebook to avoid being discovered by employers checking up on interview applicants.

"I propose that at the age of 18, you should, just as a policy, change your name. Then you can say, 'That really wasn't me; I really didn't do that!" Schmidt said at the conference. The comment may have been pithy, but it rings true for the privacy issues and company data mining that we all have to now keep in mind.

Whether it is the emerging technology Google Glass represents or the high interaction levels offered by social media networks, government or company tracking is only one side of the coin -- we also have a responsibility to manage our own digital footprints, and make sure the next generation are informed enough to do the same.

The future may include wearable gadgets and potentially even embedded ones, but as Schmidt noted, levels of tracking may eventually reach an unbreakable ceiling -- unless kept heavily under wraps. "Ultimately, in a competitive market, companies want the consumers to be happy. A situation where you go to people and say, 'Oh, here's our phone, and we're going to track you to death,' people are not going to buy that phone. It's just a bad business model."

The U.K. Office of Fair Trading says it is currently investigating companies that offer free applications for children that include in-app purchases.

We've seen the stories. Parents let their children play apps on their tablets, blissfully unaware that such a thing as in-app purchases — where everything from digital coins to unlocking new levels — can be completed, only to have bills demanding thousands of dollars arrive at the end of the month.

Following a series of high-profile cases, for example the story of one young boy who spent 1700 on his father's iPad in less than an hour, tech firm Apple has introduced a warning for parents on iTunes for apps. The warning  makes it abundantly clear whether a free, seemingly harmless app for your child to play does or does not contain in-app purchases.

Ultimately, it is the parent's responsibility to check what their children are doing. However, not every parent understands how an application works, the fact you can turn off in-app purchases in settings, or even that in-app purchases exist. Companies like Apple that are beginning to take notice and adapt accordingly are making a step in the right direction, but when applications exist — aimed at children — that offer 50 virtual items, you have to wonder how many firms are counting on the naivety of parents.

It isn't just Apple or Google that can be held responsible; this is an industry-wide problem. The OFT has now launched an investigation into whether some children are being "unfairly pressured or encouraged" to buy in-app items with their parent's money, unaware that their wish to unlock new levels or features may result in a bill that makes their parents' eyes water.

As part of the investigation, the OFT has written to firms offering such free web or app-based games, asking for information on the marketing side of in-game purchases. In addition, the agency is asking parents to contact it in relation to any example apps or games which they believe mislead parents or children. Game developers and hosts are also encouraged to get in touch if the OFT is going to formulate a strong understanding of such marketing aimed at minors.

Cavendish Elithorn, OFT Senior Director for Goods and Consumer, said:

"We are concerned that children and their parents could be subject to unfair pressure to purchase when they are playing games they thought were free, but which can actually run up substantial costs.

The OFT is not seeking to ban in-game purchases, but the games industry must ensure it is complying with the relevant regulations so that children are protected. We are speaking to the industry and will take enforcement action if necessary."

Under the U.K.'s Consumer Protection (from Unfair Trading) Regulations, established in 2008, if aggressive or misleading advertising is found in child-focused apps, then this kind of "direct exhortation" is unlawful. The OFT says that a number of single purchases of currency or items can range from a few pence to 70 or more, and as use of mobile devices and the Internet among children continues to rise, misleading practices need to be nipped in the bud.

With cyberthreats on the rise and no doubt likely to worsen on a global scale, how do you prepare for the future?

Train up would-be hackers yourself.

New York is one of the latest hotspots for students to learn how to crack computer systems. As reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, students often meet for "Hack night" events organized at NYU-Poly, where students are able to enjoy a pizza, stick on some music, and start hacking into networks.

As we all know, hacking is illegal. However, in order for students to stand up against cybercriminals in the future, practice is needed -- and so industry experts, professors and the university's "Hacker In Residence" Dan Guido create exercises that mimic real-world hacking scenarios instead.

Guido walks students through the ways hackers breach a system step-by-step by means of these exercises, while still keeping his students on the straight and narrow. These methods include attacking Internet browsers, through phishing emails that deposit trojans, and learning how DDoS attacks are constructed.

Other schools also teach their would-be hackers these skills, including Georgia Tech and Purdue, as well as academic institutions in the UK and Australia. However, thanks to the extra activities like Hack nights and annual hacking competitions, NYU-Poly has earned its place as a top place to teach cybersecurity methods and hacking.

"Every one of the faculty, every one of the undergraduates and every one of the graduate students is engaged in real-world exercises," says Alan Paller, director of the SANS Institute. "They come out having actually developed and tested their skills."

This week, the budget proposal for the 2014 fiscal year includes funds to hire military "hackers" and boost the Pentagon's cybersecurity force with both military and civilian personel. The overall budget for cybersecurity will be increased by 21 percent ($800 million), bringing the total funds available for cybersecurity weapons and defense to $4.7 billion. In addition, the House Intelligence Committee voted in favor this week of introducing the CISPA bill -- means to provide better data sharing to combat cyberthreats, but also considered a "privacy killer" by many rights groups.

The next generation has to be trained up to be able to combat cybercrime, and as Paller notes, the only thing that can combat the trend of digital warfare is skill. "We have too many people in the cybersecurity field that don't have the hands-on skills," Paller commented. "We call them frequent fliers. We don't have enough pilots."

No NYU-Poly students have been caught using their skills for nefarious purposes yet, and after drilling ethics into their heads, if a student is found to have crossed the line they will be thrown out of the lab. With many of the 270-odd students already lining up lucrative positions in blue chip firms or for the US government, perhaps its simply not worth the risk.

SpareOne is an emergency phone that can be run on a single AA battery for up to ten hours of use — without a SIM card. The phone covers both GSM frequencies, and a local SIM can be used to help you avoid high roaming charges. In addition, the mobile comes with a handy torchlight. 

A SpareOne mobile will set you back $99.99. 

Via: SpareOne 

Although I'm more of a beach and city person, for those of us who like backpacking and hiking, a portable camping stove is a great addition.

The BioLite Camping stove weighs 935g and is able to cook, heat and charge your electronic devices on the go using little more than fauna around you — including wood shavings and twigs. An internal fan generates airflow which then combines with a fuel chamber to create a fire, and this can be converted to electricity using a power module stored within a lithium-ion battery to charge gadgets including smartphones.

The stove costs £149.99 ($230).

Via: Firebox

Firebox's AnyGlove liquid can turn any pair of gloves into more modern, touchscreen-friendly alternatives.

With 550 drops in each bottle, the serum can work on any type of glove, but the manufacturers warn that applying the liquid many result in discoloration — so dark pairs are recommended. Once applied, you'll be able to use your smartphone and tablet without removing your gloves, no matter what the weather.

Each bottle costs £19.99 ($30).

Via: Firebox

Tumi's keychain may look like nothing more than a flashy bauble, but as a way to make sure you are not separated from your mobile gadgets when traveling, look no further.

The keychain is Bluetooth enabled and can be attached to your phone or any other object you want to keep with you through a key fob. If you leave an item behind, you are alerted through an alarm system, and you can also wirelessly connect your phone and answer incoming calls within a range of 30 feet. 

Cost: £150 ($230)

Via: Tumi

Traveling can be a joy, but spending hours in an airport when your flight is delayed or hours on the craft itself can be dull. 

So, why not take along a portable gaming console with you? The Playstation Vita, for example, is the successor to the PSP range and sports two quad-core processors, a 5-inch OLED display and dual analogue control. 

The Playstation Vita is a pricey bit of kit, coming in at over £200 for the 3G version, but the rear-control and comfortable joysticks make it a comfortable, entertaining way to spend time on the plane.

Via: Sony

When you're off on summer travels, a lot of people who follow the backpacking circuit end up using cheap — and often long — public transport. 

If you're on a bucket-and-spade airline, a way to forget about the constricted blood flow to your legs and the screaming child behind you (most likely as annoying to you as embarrassing for the parents) is to zone out with your favorite music.

This particular pair of headphones from Bose are a staple in my backpack. You can connect them to any media player or your smartphone, and you can switch between your music list and taking a call. 

They're pretty comfortable (although in my opinion a little bulky), but certainly do what they say on the tin — just don't wear them crossing a road.

Price: £299.99 ($460).

Via: Currys

If you're traveling on a baggage allowance and want to slim down as much as possible, the Mu could be a good option to charge your electronics.

The U.K. travel adapter can charge any smartphone through a USB connection, and is a compact alternative to bulkier charging gear — as flat down, the measurements are only 14mm x 55mm x 60mm. The foldable plug is able to charge any smartphone, but keep in mind that it cannot handle any high-voltage gadgets, including your tablet.

Currently, this £25 piece of kit is only available for U.K. customers, but the developers plan to release overseas versions in the future.

Via: The Mu

Backpacking can often mean slinging your gear into a bag and going, as well as the need to navigate across rocky terrain.

If you'd like to take pictures while you're at it, or perhaps take photos in the sea, then a shock-proof and watertight camera is a must.

One such example is the Olympus TG 820. The camera is shock-proof from heights of up to two meters, water resistant to a 10m depth, and will not be damaged in temperatures as low as 10c. 

The compact camera costs £164 ($251).

Via: Olympus

I think most of us have been in the situation when on the go, you need to use a gadget such as your smartphone, tablet or notebook, and you've run out of juice.

For these kinds of predicaments, the Powermonkey Extreme can serve as a conduit for emergency charging. It is able to charge most 5V devices, including an iPhone (six times), iPads and Samsung Galaxy tablets. A standard phone can be charged up to 12 times. 

The storage facility can be recharged with a universal mains charger, a USB port or an integrated solar panel. The product can be purchased for £120 ($184).

Via: Power Traveller

When planning your summer travels and booking the cheapest tickets possible, something that can escape memory is the additional charges we tend to accumulate.

One of the most common charges is for baggage allowances — and as some airlines now charge your fee depending on cargo and your personal weight, a digital scale may be a good investment.

The "No More Excess" digital scale weighs in both kg and lb, and has a lightweight design to fit into your luggage. To use, you lift your suitcase — which can be up to 40kg — and simply set it down. The scales now only cost £7.99.

Via: Amazon

For those of us who enjoy extreme sports, being able to record your experiences is a must. One option is to buy a camera which you can strap on as a headband, but if you prefer handheld options, Sony's Action Cam is worth considering.

The Action Cam comes with casing that protects the gadget from water, sand and grime, and records in HD at up to 120 frames per second. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you share your footage on the go, and it comes with a hands-free option. 

The camcorder comes with a price tag of £259 ($397)

Via: Sony

As a lightweight, powerful laptop, Apple's MacBook Air has remained a solid player for those on the move, whether on holiday or a business trip.

An aluminium body protects the laptop — which is available as 11 inch or 13 inch models — from damage, and can be tailored to include a dual-core processor up to 2Ghz, 8GB memory, and an Intel Graphics 4000 card. At the highest specifications, the battery can last up to 7 hours without Wi-Fi.

Via: Apple

An adaptor which will keep your gadgets charged on the go is a must for any traveler, although models like this one, which have 4 USB ports, mean that you can charge your iPhone, MP3 player and camera through one outlet.

Stay away from high-voltage electronics though, unless you'd like to repeat my experience of blowing up three in a week while in the Middle East.

Via: Amazon

From Photo Jojo, Fisheye, Telephoto, Wide Angle and Macro cell phone lenses can all be purchased separately or as a pack. Each lens is made from aluminium and can be used on Android phones, iPhones, iPads and BlackBerrys. In order to attack a lens to your gadget, you use an adhesive removable metal ring on the back of the mobile device, and then the lens magnetically attaches itself. For use with the iPhone 4/4S and iPhone 5, two specialist rings are included so the flash and microphone are not blocked.

For a complete kit, expect to pay $49.

Via: Photo Jojo

For those among us who have deep pockets, a designer coffee table produced by Roberto Delponte of Stratodesign may be of interest.

Dubbed the Modular Bonsai Wood Version coffee table, the wood table comprises of three sections. One side is designed to hold a flowerpot -- and perhaps a place for your Bonsai tree -- whereas the other side integrated a touchscreen gadget, for example, your iPad.

Via: Born Rich

Carry cases for your journals, books or iPad do not have to boring, as Palmer and Son's leather hip bag. 

Each case is custom made from 10oz London bridle leather and brass rivets. It comes in a variety of colors and the interior is lined with an iPad retaining loop and felt backwall. 

However, they don't come cheap at 310 Canadian dollars ($304 USD).

Via: Palmer and Sons

If the Apple fan in your life already is equipped with an iPad, iPhone and Mac, why not offer to have their favorite gadget engraved?

Krintech is one of many firms that offers to personalize a mobile gadget, including Kindles and tablets, for both personal and professional use. Engraving can be completed on the device itself or on leather covers. 

Via: Krintech

Online marketplace Etsy is a great way to find unusual gifts. If you're in the market for iPhone covers, a number of designers sell handmade cases which have anything from geometric designs to a retro payphone look displayed above.

Each design is bonded on to plastic and will fit a number of models, including Apple and Samsung smartphones. 

Via: Etsy

 If you'd like to share your opinion of Apple with the world, why not emboss it on your vehicle?

Available from Cafe Press, these Apple bumper stickers display the "slide to unlock" function on iPads and iPhones. Each sticker will only cost you £3 each, and can be purchased as white or transparent.

Via: Cafe Press

These room pillows are a fun addition to any Apple fan's room, taking advantage of the "i" trademark. It measures 18"x 18", and can be bought for £15.

Via: Cafe Press

For owners of the iPhone 5 who like to travel and take advantage of their camera, the Optrix iPhone Adventure Suit could be a suitable gift.

The protective case is able to protect your iPhone from a drop of up to 15 feet, and lets you use your smartphone without damage in up to 15 feet of water. In addition, the case has an inbuilt three element all-glass wide-angle lens for the capture of video and images.

Two other elements make this case an all-round cool accessory; two industrial strength adhesive rail mounts mean you can connect your iPhone to external objects such as helmets, and an optional sucker means you can attach it to almost any surface with a pressure rating of 120 pounds per square inch.

The adventure suit costs $130, or $150 with the additional sucker accessory.

Via: Photo Jojo

This is a custom dock for your Apple iPad which is made entirely out of Lego. Able to stand your tablet up for charging or syncing, the dock also has added back support with rubber grippers to reduce stress on a lightning connector.

To stop the connector from moving around, lego clips hold it inside the dock. The kit has to be built from scratch and costs £19.95.

Via: The Daily brick

The Gelaskin store contains scratch-resistant skins complete with artwork prints for your mobile device. Over 100 artists are currently registered on the website, where artwork can be printed on cases to protect devices including mobile phones, game controllers, tablets and MP3 players. 

Via: Gelaskins

Logitech's Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 is a light-powered wireless addition that you can charge with lamplight or sunlight, indoors and outdoors. On a full charge, the keyboard -- lit for use in the dark -- can work for at least three months, according to the manufacturers.

In addition, the easy-switch feature means that through a Bluetooth connection, you can flip between writing an email on your Mac, using an app on an iPad or replying to a text on your iPhone.

Logitech's keyboard costs $79.99. 

Via: Logitech

Fingerprints and dirt are part-and-parcel of using your mobile gadgets, and so a screen puff to quickly wipe away such muck can be a small gesture for a device user. Attachable to a keyring, these puffs cost only $2.95 each and come in a variety of colors. 

Via: Boxwave

The unnamed 17 year-old has been charged with "unauthorised access to computer data," and has appeared in Parramatta Children's Court today over allegations that they have committed "serious offences" on the behalf of hacktivist collective Anonymous.

The Australia's Federal Police (AFP) issued a statement over the matter, saying that a search warrant was issued at the youth's home in Glenmore Park, New South Wales, in November last year.

The AFP says that the teenager has been charged with the following:

• Six counts of unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment: Maximum penalty of 10 years;
• One count of unauthorised access with intent to commit a serious offence: Maximum penalty of 10 years;
• One count of possession of data with intent to commit a computer offence: Maximum penalty of 3 years;
• Twelve counts of unauthorised access to restricted data: Maximum penalty of 2 years.

The 17 year-old is due to appear in court again on May 17th.

Commander Glen McEwen commented:

"Protesting through computer intrusions and website defacements is not an appropriate method to raise public awareness about any issue. The AFP investigates various types of cybercrime and will continue to take a strong stance against these perpetrators."

As the case is now in the hands of the court, the AFP will not comment further on the charges.

The mind behind Tech City, a U.K. government initiative which aims to assist East London-based startups in getting off the ground, and pushing through projects including the Entrepreneur Visa, Silva has worked as PM David Cameron's technology advisor for a number of years.

Speaking to Tech City News, 32 year-old Silva said that he will leave No. 10 in June this year. He has been offered a place with a venture capital firm in order to focus on the possibilities online education has to offer, and plans to launch a business to improve online learning — with a particular slant towards developing countries.

Silva told the publication:

"Anyone that knows me knows I’ve been straining at the leash to have a go at my own business for a number of years now."

In addition, Silva said that his resignation has nothing to do with the current government, and that it was "a hard decision." The tech advisor hopes that he will be able to grow "a fantastic British business in Tech City," and has stated that "[He's] loved that [he's] been able to make a difference" in the time he has spent as the PM's advisor.

The Tech City Investment Organisation praised Silva for his contributions to the startup scene and technology, stating:

"When you have a passion for entrepreneurship like Rohan and spend as much time working with startups as he has in building Tech City, moving from championing those businesses to creating one is a natural next step.

We will continue to work closely with Rohan until his departure in June and we wish him a world of success."

No successor to the position has been chosen yet.

Currently, over 2000 websites have signed up.

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A beautifully designed 404 page, bluedaniel.com gives its users an animated page of a train leaving track 404. Complete with sound and impressive graphics, this example shows what designers can do when they put their minds to it.

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Zug.com has attempted to inject some humor into the annoying process of encountering a 404 by reminding their users just how many things go missing or AWOL in their daily lives; whether it be the sock that went into the washing machine and never came out, or the ever-elusive pen.

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Photographer Kevin Michael Smith gives his users a a 404 page that more closely resembles a frequently asked questions board, offering tips and advice on how next to proceed through a rather cool flow chart — as well as offering users the chance to head back and read a few of his articles.

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Perhaps there is a divine reason you cannot find that particular page.

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Overlawyered.com, a blog that documents the state of contemporary policy and legal issues, uses its 404 page to touch upon an issue so often found across the net: copyright infringement that requires content to be removed and taken down. 

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Found on Tumblr, this odd 404 page for mspaintadventures.com is certainly one of the most entertaining of the bunch. The 404 page hosts an animated cartoon complete with voice-overs and an amusing advertisement for the group's cartoons and merchandise. 

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Found on the appropriately named scythe.com, the webmaster lets you know that yes, it is all a conspiracy, people are out to get you, and the grim reaper will soon be paying a visit. 

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If all else fails on the server, just blame the user. 

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Ecard website JibJab has attempted to use their 404 page as a way to reflect the humorous nature of their website, but frankly, it could be described as more creepy and less funny. 

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There's certainly no reason why a 404 page has to be boring, so why not give your users a heart-stopping moment if they happen to be fans of Microsoft's Windows operating system?

The guys at Huwshimi and Friends have their own well-illustrated, eye-catching design -- that of a ninja stealing the page you're after. 

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According to the latest study by Pew, more and more American teenagers are accessing the web from their mobile gadgets.

The research center's latest report suggests what we already know: teenagers are becoming more attached to their smartphones and tablets as lifelines to access Internet services ranging from email to checking their social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter, whether it be for rapid access or to keep their activities away from the prying eyes of family members. 

Having easy, instant access to information and communication is certainly addictive. It brings to mind an image I once saw of a restaurant table with the occupant's phones all stacked together, and the first who "broke" and checked their phone was required to pay the bill. The sight of today's teenagers glued to their screens and requiring several summons before responding to anything in the physical world is commonplace, and it's no wonder.

However, we may have originally believed that texts were the main culprit of such trends in behaviour, but, just as many adults I know who are continually checking their email, it seems online services have now captured the next generation's interest.

According to the study, based on surveys conducted by phone with 802 teens ages 12-17 and their parents, instead of using desktops to get online, most now rely on their mobile phones. 78 percent of teenagers now own a cell, and almost half of these models — 47 percent — are smartphones. Translated, this means that roughly 37 percent of all teenagers own a smartphone such as the iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, and this rate has rocketed from 23 percent in 2011.

In addition, 23 percent of teenagers said they own a tablet, which is the equivalent of tablet ownership previously recorded in the adult population.

Whereas 93 percent of American teenagers said they have access to the Internet via a computer or gadget at home, seven in ten say that if they are relying on a computer, this has to be shared with other family members — and so a mobile gadget is often the easier option, which gives them more time online and keeps things private.

Unsurprisingly, teenage girls were more likely than boys to be "cell-mostly" users of online services. In total, 74 percent of teenage girls surveyed said they occasionally use their mobile devices to access the web, whether it be through a smartphone or tablet.

Mary Madden, Senior Researcher for the Pew Research Center’s Internet Project commented:

"The nature of teens' internet use has transformed dramatically — from stationary connections tied to shared desktops in the home to always-on connections that move with them throughout the day. In many ways, teens represent the leading edge of mobile connectivity, and the patterns of their technology use often signal future changes in the adult population."

(Image Source: Andrew Malone/Flickr)

Inappropriate comments from students to teachers often result in detention, parents being informed and in extreme cases, suspension for a period of time.

If a student makes such a comment in class, a few classmates may snicker, but its highly unlikely the every student who giggles is going to be punished for such an action. However, online, the digital equivalent of a laugh is there for all to see -- and works as tangible proof if school authorities become involved.

That is exactly what happened to 28 secondary students from Colaiste Chiarain secondary school in Croom, Co Limerick, Ireland. As reported by Independent.ie, these students happened to "like" a controversial message containing an image and text that concerned a teacher's personal life. Although details are sketchy, the move to mass-suspend so many students for promoting the message -- spread through Facebook by "liking" it -- resulted in these 28 students being suspended for two days.

Although the message was eventually removed, principal Noel Malone says that the "unprecedented" move to send the better part of a classroom away for several days was necessary, as the message constituted a break in the school's anti-bullying policy.

Malone told the publication it was a "gross invasion of a member of the school community's personal life." Students may not realize that "liking" such a message is a way to send it further across the social network, but whether clicking that button is accidental or not, the consequences of such things "can be very grave." Something that the school's students may have just learnt, although the lesson was certainly swift.

This kind of move on a school's part shows clearly that in the same way that bullying cannot be tolerated inside of a classroom, students should not believe they are safe online either. As a former teacher, I understand that these types of messages -- which are more often found online that admitted, and not just by students, either -- can have serious detrimental affects on someone's digital footprint.

A remark made by a student in the classroom can be quickly taken care of and forgotten with a rapid chastisement, but once a message is placed online, especially if accompanied by images, it is much harder to erase. By permitting the mass suspension of so many students, Malone has sent a clear message to those remaining -- that such behaviour is not tolerated.

However, when it comes to teaching our students digital citizenship, it seems little more than a losing battle. Adults -- shall we say 'trolls' -- leave little positive impressions on children who are reading, and you only need to surf YouTube to find bile spewed by both kids and adults alike on any video uploaded. 

There's no easy answer to this without the screams of "censorship" and "online rights" ringing in our ears. The global issue aside, perhaps the best option is to focus on the ground and the individual, by encouraging schools to take the same swiftly-punishable route and nip such problems in the bud before the next generation grow up considering these types of commentary acceptable -- at least where it can be viewed easily by anyone online. 

Coursera announced Thursday that it has added an additional 29 academic partners to its lineup of free course providers.

Within four months of launching, Coursera managed to secure over a million users globally. The result of an idea born from two Stanford scientists, Coursera has now managed to secure over a million new enrolments per month, and roughly 2.8 million users have registered to take advantage of free classes. 

The 29 new partners, however, will potentially attract even more users, as almost half of them are international.

The ed-tech startup provides over a hundred free courses for students worldwide, ranging from chemistry to clinical problem solving, engineering and history. The majority of current free course providers working with Coursera are based in the United States, but now this has been extended, with 16 academic institutions based in countries including France, Mexico, Japan and Spain.

Many of the new academic partners will now offer free courses in languages, including French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese. Some of the course providers who have recently signed up include the University of Tokyo, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Mnchen, Sapienza Universit di Roma and the Universidad Nacional Autnoma de Mxico.

Over 60 academic institutions have now joined the massive open online course (MOOC) platform, which could mean that Coursera -- as well as other projects including edX -- are setting a precedent for what is to come in education. Distance learning and online tasks are becoming more substantial in the education sector, and even though online courses often don't have the same prestige as campus-based education, some authorities are considering granting students credit for Coursera-based classes.

It's a far cry from the gleaming, polished Apple logos and MacBooks of today, although the famous bitten-apple trademark of course makes its appearance. 

It's true that children are getting their hands on shiny gadgets at younger ages, but failing that, parents could buy them an Apple-embossed toy truck for $29.

If radio-controlled cars are more your thing these days, then perhaps a kid's cotton Apple T-shirt would have made a good stocking filler at only $6.50 -- certainly not breaking the bank in the same way as an iPad. The Macintosh sweatshirt would have only set you back $14. 

(via Retronaut)

The big kids could also get their hands on Apple's clothing range. If you wanted to show off your brand loyalty at the gym or loitering around the house on a lazy day, the sweatpants -- available in black, white or jade -- cost $15, whereas adult-sized Apple logo cutton T-shirts were only $7.50.

(via Retronaut)

It wasn't just cotton T-shirts or sweatpants that Apple used to sell. You could also get your hands on a cotton belt for $5, complete with an embossed Apple logo and a cinch ring. Available in a number of colors -- dubious color mix of black-background logo and belt notwithstanding -- they would go perfectly with a "snap shirt" for both men and women.

Once manufactured by Patagonia, an outdoor clothing firm, the shirts had brass snaps instead of buttons, and were priced at $43.

(via Retronaut)

It's not quite a yacht, but Apple's sailboard let surfers and sunbathers alike know which brand of computing software you like. The description reads:

"For beginners and seasoned sailors alike, the F2 America Sailboard offers superior equipment for the most exhilarating of sports. Constructed of ultralight EPS wrapped with impact-resistant ASA, this board combines speed with high-wind manoeuvrability. 

Adjustable footstraps and daggerboard provide complete comfort and controls. This 11' 10' board is best for sailors over 145 pounds. Included are two polyester-reinforced ripstop Mylar sails -- a 6-square-meter powerhead and a 5-square-meter sail with gigantic Apple logo."

Back then, this sailboard was only $1100.

(via Retronaut)

I haven't seen a floppy disk since the days of going around my grandfathers for tea and Windows 95, but for those that needed at least 100 disks and wanted to store them in style, Apple once offered a walnut disk storage box for only $24. 

In addition, if you needed a bag to tote around your Macintosh's "favorite travel companion," the Imagewriter or Imagewriter Printer, a padded Apple bag made things more simple. The leather tote was sold for $52.

(via Retronaut)

Want to "show whose team you're on"? You could have bought an Apple baseball cap in black, white or grey for $9.50.

(via Retronaut)

In past times, Apple worked with jewelry maker Tiffany & Co. to produce a selection of products for fans of the Apple brand. Among the collection was the Apple-logo embossed gilded brass swivel alarm clock, apparently perfect for both the desk and suitcase, priced at $325.

If that didn't take your fancy, you could also take home with you a pair of Tiffany Apple earrings and a matching necklace, set in 14 carat gold for $89. Pens and decanters were also available, and everything came in a Tiffany box with satin ribbon.

(via Retronaut)

Apple's briefcase, priced at $449, "will help you be as organized as it makes you look." Lined with sheepskin, the leather suitcase featured combination locking, a "hidden" compartment, and a debossed Apple logo.  

(via Retronaut)

 You may have an Apple suitcase to keep you organized on the move, but what about when you're working from home?

The iPad and iPhone maker had you covered. The 30x60 white MacTable was a fully adjustable desk to cater for your Macintosh peripherals, and was trimmed with Beechwood.

Originally designed by the Danish, the MacTable would have set you back $399. 

(via Retronaut)

It's not just clothing, sailing and jewelry Apple once catered for. In addition, the tech giant used to offer Apple-branded Tiffany crystal apple for $40 for your work desk.

For an unusual money clip, the partnership with Tiffany resulted in the creation of an Apple sterling silver money clip for $55. Wine taster? Enjoy Apple designed crystal wine glasses for $12. If you liked, you could also purchase bottles of Ridge Zinfandel Glen Ellen 1980 and Cabernet Sauvignon complete with Apple's seal for $25.

(via Retronaut)

Personally, I'd never heard of tie tacks until I came across this catalogue, but there seems to be a market for them. If you wanted a Macintosh enamel tie tack, you could pick one up for only $3.50. Failing that, a selection of lapel pins featuring Macintosh or Apple logos could be bought for only $2.50.

In addition, you could buy a Macintosh-design brass key chain for $7, or a vinyl bumper sticker sporting Apple's old "Changing the world, one person at a time" slogan for a dollar. 

(via Retronaut)

Retro canteens sporting a shoulder strap that were apparently "unbreakable" could be purchased for only $8, and if you wanted to take your PC-loyalty to the pub, you could buy a crystal beer mug complete with Apple logo on the base, imported from Germany, for $10.50.

(via Retronaut)

An interesting reminder of how far Apple's branding has evolved, this collection of oversized sweatshirts and frankly confusing sweatpants stands in dire contract to the sleek silver that Apple now employs.

However, if rainbows and bright colors were in your palette, then the sweatshirt and sweatpants could be bought for $17 and $15 respectively.

(via Retronaut)

The brochures, the open days where we are carted around by former freshers, and the decisions concerning whether to place ourselves in debt or spend the parents' hard-won cash for several years. Universities try to make themselves as attractive as possible; in the same way that top-notch hotels hate having empty beds, educational institutions need as many students as possible to stay profitable--or in many cases, to try and claw their way out of debt.

However, the only warning we have about educational standards comes from league tables or the references of past students, who often simply impart helpful tips about how to stop the smoke alarm in the dorm going off or where to hide your hot plate to avoid confiscation.

Surely for those students not simply looking to avoid work for a few more years and who are instead actually interested in how they are taught, there's a way to give them a sample--without costing the university a fortune?

It appears so. Forty universities in the US, including the University of Cincinnati, Arizona State, and the University of Texas, have begun offering prospective students such a taste--through an online module that, not only is free, but can count as credit.

As reported by the New York Times, students considering these universities are now able to sign up, with Academic Partnerships, to take the first course on a degree program for free--and in their own time.

If you decide you like the course, then you have the option to go ahead and join the university, pay your fees, and have the online course count as credit towards your qualification.

Prospective students do have to wait until spring to sign up for this "freemium" education project, but offering an introductory course in such a way may save students from dedicating both themselves and their finances to a course that isn't actually their cup of tea. Not only this, but it could be another way to entice additional students into further education--a much-needed boost to revenue streams of struggling universities.

Using online academic journal resource JSTOR -- a less-than-fond memory of my university days -- has just become a little easier for those without pockets deep enough for a subscription, as the organisation now allows a certain amount of free access.

JSTOR announced this week that the "Register & Read" program will offer free accounts to those who sign up, granting a limited amount of access to its massive collection of journals, books and academic papers. However, members will only be able to read three papers every two weeks, and the collection available to browse is restricted to 1,200 journals from 700 publishers.

The organisation says that there are currently over 4.5 million articles available in this subsection of the library. Roughly 40 percent of the articles available can be downloaded for a fee.

In exchange for this experimental free access, users must enter personal details including your email, area of study and institution. This data will then be shared with JSTOR's partners in order to give the firm an idea of what people are reading.

Kate Duff, director of strategic partnerships and analytics for the Journals Division of The University of Chicago Press commented:

'We were very pleased to be part of the test period and with the resulting interest shown in the 5 of our journals that took part. All our journals were used and ranged in subjects from biology to economics and sociology. It’s exciting to now have the opportunity to extend access to our entire journals portfolio through this important new initiative."

This project is being launched on the back of JSTOR's "Early Journal Content" scheme, where over 150,000 people registered across a 10-month period to read 76 journals of copyright-free content for free.

 The Wireless Teddy Cam

Manchester Surveillance's Wireless Teddy Cam, fit for keeping an eye on your kids or useful if you have concerns over a babysitter, is fitted with a color camera and transmitter which relays audio and visual data to a transceiver.

The accompanying receiver needs to be hidden no further than 50 meters away from your child's new cuddly toy to work. Once plugged in to your VCR via a scart cable or PHONO plugs, you can look back on the teddy bear's footage.

Each bear is priced at 235 ($376).

A camera-enabled photo frame

Available from Fly on the Wall, this camera-enabled photo frame has a tiny DVR camera embedded within its structure. 

The camera is programmable to begin automatic recording through motion-detection technology, or you can use a simple stop/start function. The camera can record up to 6 hours of full colour VGA video (1280x 960) and audio on a 16/32GB Micro SD card -- which has to be bought separately.

Once downloaded on to your computer, you can quickly review whatever activities are taking place in your house. It is powered via a lithium-ion battery, and a USB charging and transfer cable is included. The photo frame is priced at 124.99 ($200).

An air freshener that spies on you

This air freshener contains a hidden Wi-Fi enabled camera which can transfer footage directly to a computer, whether it is a Windows PC, Mac, or mobile device including an iPhone, iPad or Android device. In addition, footage can be viewed over a local network, or configured so it can be downloaded worldwide.

The camera footage -- gained through a 50 degree viewing angle -- can be recorded through Wi-Fi or through an optional AV recorder application.

Tests have found that footage can be adequately recorded at an average of 12.5 meters. The unit has a five-hour battery life on a standard battery, or 12 hours on a long-life version. 

The air freshener camera is priced at 175.00 ($280).

 A smartphone interceptor

Eyetek's smartphone interceptor is a relatively new set of spying software to keep an eye on smartphone activity.

The manufacturers say that "the SmartPhone Intercept is great for keeping tabs your spouse if you suspect they may be having an affair, employees, children, and anyone else you wish to."

When the software is quietly installed on the target Android device, all activity on the phone can be monitored via an accompanying mobile console, although it will only work if the SIM installed is Wi-Fi ready. The software can track incoming and outgoing SMS messages, GPS information, incoming and outgoing calls, background noise recording and any file -- including video, audio and images -- that are stored on the mobile device.

In addition, the software will track and transfer any email records made on the handset.

The smartphone interceptor costs 149 ($238).

The Pet's Eye View camera

The Pet's eye view camera, available from Fly on the Wall, can be clipped on to a cat or dog's collar so you can record or take pictures of their daily exploits.

Storing footage on to a Micro SD card -- not included -- the camera can record roughly two hours of continuous footage, or up to 1200 photos in 10, 20 or 30 second intervals. 

The camera weighs 32g and is powered by a bilithium battery.

On sale at the time of writing, the Pet's eye view camera now costs 49.99 ($80).

Below is a video documenting what you can watch with one of these devices, although the owners in this particular clip used the Go Pro cam. 

 The RX10 Quad Band

Global Gadget's RX10 Quad Band cell phone jammer is a handheld cellphone jammer which works worldwide, according to the manufacturers. 

Covering the 800, 900, 1800, 1900, 3G-UMTS and 2.4GHz Bluetooth and Wi-Fi networks, the signal jammer is effective for up to 30 meters. The device's settings allow you to choose which bands you would like to disrupt, and battery life lasts up to one hour. 

The handheld jammer costs 139.90 ($224).

 A camera-enabled watch

Spy Camera CCTV's stainless steel spy watch comes equipped with a hidden DVR camera that is able to both take snaps and record video footage when worn.

AVI footage, both visual and audio, is captured at 30 frames per second, at a resolution of 640x480. Images, saved in the JPEG format, are captured at 1.9 megapixels at a resolution of 1600x1200.

The 4GB memory and battery is enough to record continual footage for approximately two hours, and data can be transferred through an inbuilt USB connection.

The watch is priced at 44 ($70).

Eyetek's two-way adapter may seem innocent, but it also functions as a hidden recorder.

Activated through voice-recognition technology, the digital recording system is completely hidden under a functional mains-powered unit. Recordings are stored on a Micro SD card, and the amount of information you can store is only limited by the size of the card you use, up to 32GB; in other words, 24 days of recording time.

To stop you having to dig through hours of silent footage, the recorder will only begin when activated through sound-recognition sensors in the target area.

Small as they may be, they will hit your pocket hard with a price tag of 225 ($360).

Eyetek's badge camera recorder takes a symbol of optimism and transforms it into a way to spy on others around you.

The "Smiley Face Pin Badge" has a hidden, internal recorder which is able to record both video and audio footage. Equipped with a micro USB port, the badge's data can either be transferred via a USB port or by removing the Micro SD card from the product. Powered by a lithium-ion battery, the pin badge recorder is able to record at a rate of 30 frames per second.

Each badge is priced at 65 ($104).

Available from Spy Gadgets 4 U, a piece of kit suitable for the office, the HD Spy Pen Camera, is a gimmicky way to record videos and take images in high definition.

The company says that the pen is perfect for "recording the best bits of your life in secret, family security monitoring, criminal investigation and evidence collecting for legal purposes."

Video footage is recorded in an .avi format at a resolution of 1280x720. Images are captured in .JPG format. A free 4GB memory card is included with the pen, and it is powered by a lithium-polymer battery. Footage can be transferred to your computer via a USB port.

The spy pen is priced at 34.99 ($56).

Available from the Online Spy Shop, this magnetic car tracker is a credit-card sized gadget which is able to send the real-time location of a vehicle to a mobile phone.

Through either coordinates or a digital map, you can keep an eye on either where your spouse is heading to, or check on employees using company cars. Once you sent a text message to a particular number, the device immediately sends you location data.

A computer is not needed for this gadget to work, and the inbuilt battery will last one week. The car tracker uses a SiRF Star III chipset and a quad-band GSM modem.

Each tracker costs 234 ($375). 

The iShot alarm clock, complete with hidden camera, is available from Brick House security. 

Able to record up to 10 hours of consecutive video, the alarm clock's hidden camera is motion-activated -- so if someone moves about in the bedroom, you can keep an eye on what's happening. 

Once charged, the alarm clock is able to record .avi format video footage with a resolution of 720x480 pixels. The product requires a Micro SD card with up to 32GB memory, and images are captured at a rate of 29 frames per second. 

The product can be purchase for $59.95. 

A tool a step away from pens or badges, a product from Brick House Security is an unusual spying gadget which comes in the form of an office-worthy tie. 

A tiny pinhole camera embedded within the fabric captures continuous video footage, which can then be uploaded and is DVR compatible. The tie is battery operated, has a 4.3mm lens and an 80 degree field of view. 

The tie, however, does not come cheap at $249.95.

But if you share the fact you've just committed a dangerous and idiotic act, you're not necessarily protected from the law just because its a social media site.

This is the harsh lesson a teenager from Oregon has learnt, after the 18-year old posted on his Facebook account:

After being called out at 1 a.m. Wednesday, a local police officer responded to a hit-and-run crash, which left "significant' damage to a side-swiped car involved, as well as a second, parked car in front.

According to local news publication The Daily Astorian, after posting the message, two friends with access to the teenager's profile tipped off the police through private Facebook messages. This resulted in law officials going to the teenager's house and finding a damaged vehicle that matched the scenario in the early morning, the suspected vehicle found to be registered to the drink-driver.

Once connected to the incident, the teenager was arrested and held at Clatsop County Jail, eventually being charged with two counts of "failing to perform the duties of a driver." The only thing that went in the teen's favor is the fact that a Facebook post is not necessarily enough evidence to secure a full conviction for something more serious.

A press release from Astoria's police department summed up the entire debacle:

"Astoria Police have an active Social Media presence. It was a private Facebook message to one of our officers that got this case moving though. When you post "Drivin drunk... classsic ;) but to whoever's vehicle i hit i am sorry. :P" on Facebook you have to figure that it is not going to stay private long."

A large-scale study conducted by Oxford University, U.K., found that even though parents remain worried about mobility and Internet safety, the educational benefits of such technology outweighs the risk.

Based on over 1,000 "randomly selected" U.K. households, in addition to interviews with over 200 teenagers and their families between 2008 and 2011, researchers found that parents are often anxious about the web; considering social networking sites -- including Twitter and Facebook -- as potential sources of distraction for their offspring.

This certainly makes sense, and these websites can be addictive, especially when coupled with instant access on a smartphone or tablet. However, the team at Oxford University's Department of Education concluded that there are "substantial educational advantages" to both kinds of technology.

According to the study, teenagers felt both "educationally disadvantaged" and sometimes "socially isolated" if they did not have Internet access at home. Without the means to complete research or projects at home with the web as a resource, teenage students stated that much of the work now set for them required resources that are found online -- and traditional research centers including libraries don't make the cut anymore.

At the time of the study, the researchers estimated that 10 percent of U.K. teenagers surveyed were without Internet access at home, whereas recent figures from the Office of National Statistics suggest this figure dropped to five percent last year.

Dr Chris Davies Researcher Dr Rebecca Eynon said:

"While it's difficult to state a precise figure for teenagers without access to the internet at home, the fact remains that in the U.K., there is something like 300,000 young people who do not -- and that's a significant number. Behind the statistics, our qualitative research shows that these disconnected young people are clearly missing out both educationally and socially."

The study also contradicts claims that others have made about the potential risks of technology including social networking and smartphones distracting teenagers from study. The researchers, Dr Chris Davies and Dr Rebecca Eynon, found no evidence to support this claim; instead, they believe the Internet offers students today far more opportunities to learn.

Davies commented:

"Parental anxiety about how teenagers might use the very technologies that they have bought their own children at considerable expense is leading some to discourage their children from becoming confident users. The evidence, based on the survey and hundreds of interviews, shows that parents have tended to focus on the negative side -- especially the distracting effects of social networking sites -- without always seeing the positive use that their children often make of being online."

According to Scottish teacher union representatives, students are frequently using social media and mobile technology to make teachers' lives miserable.

The Press Association reports that union leaders in Scotland, representing the country's secondary school teachers, have complained that nothing is being done to tackle the use of social networking and mobile technology to harass or attack teachers.

Abuse focused at education professionals can be conducted through social media sites, including Twitter and Facebook, whether it be via a status update, doctored photo, or insulting commentary. According to Margaret Smith, president of the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association, the use of technology in this manner is a "sinister development" which needs to be tackled head-on.

"Too often nothing is done to combat this behaviour and pupils believe that their conduct is without consequence," Smith said. "A sinister development over the past decade or so has been the co-ordinated targeting of some teachers. Social media networks, mobile phones and other technologies to which pupils have access make it so much easier to make a teacher's life intolerable and his or her job impossible."

The president of the association also said that teachers are often subject to "verbal abuse, threats and ridicule," as well as female members of staff required to endure comments relating to them personally that would in other circumstances be considered sexual harassment.

Accusing the Scottish government of inaction and complacency over student discipline, Smith said that as part of the educational system's duty of care towards students, the issue of indiscipline -- a problem for Europe rather than simply in Scotland -- has to be tackled before things get out of hand.

According to the union representative, teaching stress levels are at an "all-time high," but combating poor behavior -- both inside the classroom and digitally -- will help the situation, one in which fewer graduates are entering the teaching profession, or often leave after several years.

A Scottish Government spokesman told the news agency:

"The vast majority of pupils in our schools are well behaved and a credit to Scotland. However, any incident is one too many, and we are working across the sector to improve behaviour in schools. Independent research shows that behaviour, including serious indiscipline and violence, has improved since 2006."

Research reports have suggested that cyberbullying rates increased in line with the explosion of mobile technology, and it is not only teenagers who have to face the consequences. However, perhaps it's no surprise that students are now using social media and mobiles in this way -- as adults often leave their manners in the physical world and abuse others online, hidden under a supposed cloak of anonymity.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has changed online child privacy protection laws to give parents more control over data.

Announced today, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) has received its final amendments, and in its new form will stop online companies from collecting data from children without parental consent.

Under the new revisions, companies will not be able to collect photos, video or GPS location data without a parent's approval if the child is under 13.

The new regulations are the result of a two-year review conducted by the FTC in order to revise child privacy policy laws, established in 1998, to consider the boom in modern technology, mobility, and the Internet. A number of websites facilitate child-based services, including from firms Artist Arena and Disney, whereas social networks including Facebook can currently be used by children, even if terms and conditions state otherwise.

The 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act does require website operators -- when services target children under 13 -- to provide notice to parents of their child's activities and gain their permission before collecting, using or disclosing any data. However, as digital media continues to expand, revisions became necessary to close a number of loopholes, especially in terms of third-parties gaining access to and using a minor's information without the consent of a parent, as in the case of website plugins. Under the new terms, third-parties must also adhere to COPPA.

The revisions also include a voluntary program for website owners to gain parental consent, and extends COPPA to cover "persistent identifiers," in other words, systems including mobile device IDs and IP addresses that can recognize a user across different websites and services.

In addition, website operators are required to take "reasonable steps" to release a minor's information only to companies that can keep data secure and confidential. Information must be held "only as long as is reasonably necessary."

"The Commission takes seriously its mandate to protect children's online privacy in this ever-changing technological landscape," said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz. "I am confident that the amendments to the COPPA Rule strike the right balance between protecting innovation that will provide rich and engaging content for children, and ensuring that parents are informed and involved in their children’s online activities."

The new rules will take effect by July next year. In October, the FTC settled a complaint set against Artist Arena, who maintains fan-based websites for celebrities, after the agency was accused of illegally collecting data including dates of birth, email address and names from children under 12. In the complaint, the FTC claimed that the website collected information from over 101,000 minors, and as a result, Artist Arena agreed to pay a fine of $1 million.