At a research launch event held today in Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland, important findings were presented, shedding light on the persistent issue of digital poverty across the UK. According to the latest research from the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA), 86 per cent of parents cite cost as the primary barrier preventing their children from accessing laptops, a factor that significantly contributes to the widening digital divide in underserved communities.
The research highlights the profound impact of limited access to digital devices and connectivity on children’s educational outcomes. With nearly 80 per cent of students requiring online access for homework at least once a week, and older students increasingly reliant on digital resources, the absence of a laptop places them at a considerable disadvantage. The findings reveal that 88 per cent of parents believe their children are substantially disadvantaged without a laptop, underscoring the urgent need to address this issue.
Central to today’s event was the Tech4Families initiative, launched by the DPA in partnership with Currys. This programme aims to close the digital divide by providing essential technology – including laptops and tablets – alongside internet connectivity and digital skills training to families in need. The initiative seeks to ensure that all children, regardless of their financial circumstances, have access to the tools necessary for effective digital learning and participation.
Since its inception in May 2022, the Tech4Families initiative has distributed 1,758 laptops to children aged 4-16 years across seven digitally deprived areas in the UK. A survey conducted among 180 families who received devices indicates that the initiative is making a substantial impact, particularly in areas with the greatest need.
Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, highlighted the programme’s significance, stating, “The cost-of-living crisis has exacerbated digital exclusion across the UK, forcing families to choose between basic necessities and access to technology. This digital divide not only hampers children’s education but also jeopardises their future opportunities. Through the Tech4Families initiative, we are working to bridge this gap by providing access to digital devices and fostering essential digital skills within disadvantaged communities.”
The impact of the initiative has been transformative. Children who previously had to share devices or rely on limited access at schools or libraries can now work independently, significantly improving their ability to complete homework and participate in online learning.
Moreover, the initiative has led to a marked improvement in digital literacy. Initially, only 40 per cent of parents felt their child was ‘very comfortable’ using a computer. After six months of access to a suitable device at home, this figure rose to 53 per cent, demonstrating the programme’s effectiveness in enhancing digital skills.
The event also featured key insights from researchers at the University of Sussex, who have played a crucial role in monitoring and evaluating the progress of the Tech4Families programme. Their research has provided valuable data and analysis, further reinforcing the importance of educational interventions in bridging the digital divide. Lord (Des) Browne of Ladyton also spoke at the event, emphasising the significance of such initiatives in fostering a more inclusive digital future for all UK children.
As the DPA continues to advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to digital resources, today’s event underscored the essential role of initiatives like Tech4Families in giving every child, regardless of background, the opportunity to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
Key Statistics Presented Today:
- 1,758 laptops distributed to children aged 4-16 years through the Tech4Families initiative.
- 86 per cent of parents identify cost as the main barrier to their children’s online access.
- 92 per cent of parents report increased motivation to learn among their children after receiving a laptop.
- 17.5 per cent of people in South Ayrshire are ‘lapsed or non-users’ of the internet, compared to 4.9 per cent in London.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for continued efforts to tackle digital inequality and ensure that all children have the tools they need to thrive.
Moira Thomas, Group Sustainability & ESG Director, Currys plc said:
The research speaks for itself and reaffirms that the work we are doing to help families get access to laptops and the life-changing benefits of technology. A smartphone simply isn’t the right device to support a child’s learning, and in helping more children get access to a laptop through the Tech4Families scheme, we’re increasing their ability and motivation to learn and achieve educational outcomes. There’s a long way to go, but we’re proud to work so closely with the DPA in making a real difference to the lives of so many families and helping combat digital poverty.