At the risk of sounding like a member of the older generation (well, I am over 30, I have to admit), the inventiveness of children never ceases to amuse.

There’s always something far more interesting to do than homework, and rather than blaming the dog for having a nibble on a text book, today’s schoolchildren are claiming technology-related excuses for not producing the required assignments.

According to a survey from Pixmania.com, pupils are trying to baffle older staff members with problems about technology the teachers struggle to understand. Teachers are now having to become more tech-savvy in an effort to keep up with the spirited high jinks of Generation ‘i’.

Kids nowadays grow up with a mobile phone in one hand and a PSP in the other; with an iPod in their school bag and a hard drive DVD recorder taping their favourite TV shows at home. It’s little wonder they are streaks ahead of those for whom Windows is a relatively new invention. Technology moves at lightning pace and unless you grow with it, you’re in danger of being left behind.

Here are some of the more extravagant homework excuses - (and they say technology stifles creativity?)

• My dad’s computer was hacked by the Russians and they stole my homework
• A burglar stole my printed-out homework and the computer
• I accidentally tipped a bottle of cider on the computer and it broke

Emma Sinclair