Africa Connected – the internet revolution

It will change Africa forever. Within the next couple of months four high-speed fibre optic cables will link up the east and west coasts of Africa to the rest of the world. It’s going to revolutionise how the continent connects and communicates in many ways – some we can imagine, some we can’t.

Are young people becoming addicted to the internet?

Teenagers around the northern hemisphere are coming to the end of their summer holidays. The credit crunch, working parents and other factors will have meant that many of them will have been stuck at home for much of their time off school. And lots of them will have been on the internet. For hour after hour. Some parents feel that it’s safe – they’re at home and all is well. Others are concerned about over-use of the internet. At 1230 GMT this Saturday, Newshour will be asking whether this concern is justified.

Is social networking a suicide risk?

Bullied to death on Bebo. 15 year old Megan Gillans committed suicide following taunts on the Internet about her clothing and appearance. Yesterday the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, Vincent Nichols  criticised such sites for playing a key role in young people committing suicide.  Are we too addicted to realise the danger of online social networking?

On air: Is illegal downloading immoral?

Right, I have my own login now… after a passionate debate in the WHYS meeting on Friday, the issue of music, television and film downloading, or acquiring themfor free in other ways is today’s topic.

Should we all be on a DNA database?

A British police chief has called for a nationwide DNA database, after two high profile murder cases were solved with the help of DNA evidence.

Is it time that each person’s DNA is stored on a government database, to assist future investigations?

Should luring developing world doctors be a crime?

A group of international medical experts has said that so many African health professionals are being recruited by Western countries that the practice should be viewed as a crime.

Does new technology set your pulse racing?

Hi, I’m Amelia. I work for the BBC’s Newshour programme and on Saturday, 19^th January, at 1230 GMT, we’re hosting a special debate on the entertainment industry. We’re hoping you’d like to comment either by emailing us or by posting here.