Risk, Education and Culture

Media coverage of Internet risks in wider society has been labelled as exaggerated, sensationalistic, and inciting 'moral panic'. In considering 'moral panic' and risk perspectives in educational organisations, several issues need to be addressed. These are the nature of risk perspectives, the validity of 'moral panic' as an analytical concept and the impact of 'moral panic' upon risk perspectives. Before focusing upon the concept of 'moral panic', the writings of Ulrich Beck draw upon to consider the nature of risk perceptions in late modernity, and explore their connection to the mass media. Media coverage of risks arising from chat-line use has been singularly focused on the activities of paedophiles, portraying both children and youths as simply being in danger. Staffs were concerned about risks posed by the activities of paedophiles in chat rooms as well as the adult nature of some of the language use.