INVESTMENT in education on artificial intelligence is essential for future generations, the Bishop of Oxford told the House of Lords yesterday.

The Rt Rev Dr Steven Croft said with technology constantly evolving it was essential children are taught how to deal with the changes.

He said: “My grandsons will grow up in a different world. They will probably never drive or own cars.

“They will interact with screens and machines from an early age.

“They will need to know how to set boundaries around their online lives.”

The debate was entitled The Importance of Education in Developing a Flourishing Society.

A member of the Lords Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence, Bishop Steven added: “Computing education across the UK, we read, is patchy and fragile.

“A majority of teachers are teaching an unfamiliar subject without adequate support.”

“Teacher training and recruitment are uneven and behind their targets.”

He concluded by questioning the Government’s plans going forward for teaching ethics as part of the computer science curriculum.

Bishop Steven also asked whether the Government had considered appointing a minister for digital development to offer leadership on the subject across.