Digital divide has long-term impact on children

Many children are at risk of being left behind because they don’t have access to technology at home.

According to the Digital Poverty Alliance and RM Technology, more than half of children in low-income families are struggling to access devices or reliable internet outside of school.

Meanwhile, one in three parents believe schools often mistakenly assume that families have digital devices at home, when in truth, children have to share a single device with parents and siblings.

For example, one in ten families say they only have a smartphone available for children to complete online homework. 

And others are having to turn to neighbours, friends or use public wi-fi networks to get online and study.

Digital exclusion has long-term consequences

Researchers believe that this lack of access could seriously affect a child’s ability to succeed in school, as well as harm their future career prospects.

“If somebody cannot get online where, when and how they need to, they are experiencing digital exclusion and fundamentally they can’t get the best out of online services,” said Elizabeth Anderson, chief executive of the Digital Poverty Alliance.

She also pointed out that young people’s familiarity with social media doesn’t necessarily mean they have a wider digital literacy.

“Just because a child uses TikTok does not mean they know how to power up a computer, write an email, set up and change passwords to stay safe, or use Word, Excel or Canva,” Ms Anderson said.

Children at risk of falling behind in school

Many teachers are aware of this problem and how it’s causing children to disengage from education.

In fact, one in three believe children don’t have the skills needed to use technology, and almost two in five think the digital divide gets worse during the school holidays.

But worryingly, many schools don’t seem to be actively addressing the issue, as a third of teachers say their school has no plans to tackle digital exclusion outside the classroom.

The Digital Poverty Alliance believes a community-driven approach is needed to improve access to devices, backed by national investment.

“We need a community focus to take away some of the stigma,” said Ms Anderson.

“That needs to be led by schools, but with national funding and a realisation that IT infrastructure is not just about what’s inside the school, but how students can actually access it at home.”

Government funding local initiatives to boost digital inclusion

Earlier this year, the government published its digital inclusion action plan, which includes funding for local initiatives across the country.

These will be targeted to the most digitally excluded groups, such as low-income households and the elderly.

In addition, the government is partnering with the Digital Poverty Alliance to give laptops to digitally excluded people.

“This government is determined to [close] the digital divide and [ensure] everyone has the access, skills, support and confidence to participate in our modern digital society, whatever their circumstances,” said media, tourism and creative minister Chris Bryant.

According to official figures, 34% of households with school-aged children don’t have an appropriate device for accessing online schoolwork.