IT is a sad fact of life that the minority often spoil things for the majority and Internet chatrooms are another example.

The Internet is wonderful. It has opened up avenues of communication which were unimaginable a generation ago. Millions of decent people derive genuine pleasure from going on-line and sharing thoughts about an endless list of common interests.

Regrettably, chatrooms have become fertile ground for those who seek to prey on children. They see the Internet as a way to contact young people, to win their confidence, and build relationships leading to sexual assaults.

Hardly a week goes by without news of another youngster being abused after Internet 'grooming'. Today, The Northern Echo names the latest sexual predator to come before the courts - 22-year-old David Hipperson, who embarked on a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl after winning her trust on the worldwide web.

Paedophiles like Hipperson are, of course, a tiny minority but they represent a serious threat to children - a threat which has been increased by the creation of chatrooms.

We therefore, reluctantly, welcome Microsoft's decision to shut down its free chatrooms, although it's hard to believe its motives do not include commercial considerations.

With so many other Internet providers to choose from, Microsoft may well be swimming against an irrepressible tide.

But the resulting publicity has opened up a debate which will at least act as another warning to parents about the need to police the Internet activities of their children.

Time to grow up

PREMIERSHIP footballers are paid obscene amounts of money for doing a job which is the envy of millions and makes them role models for legions of young fans.

It is therefore not too much to ask for them to at least behave like adults.

Forget the arguments about the heat of the moment, Arsenal's players behaved like spoiled children at Manchester United on Sunday.

At a time when fans are being urged not to threaten the national team's participation in Euro 2004 by behaving badly, the scenes at Old Trafford were repulsive.

Faced with suspensions potentially totalling 20 games, Arsenal's title aspirations are now seriously undermined.

Good. Perhaps the thought of losing their bonuses might make them start to grow up.