Study Reveals Digital Divide Affects Nearly Half of UK Families with Children

A study has found that nearly 50% of British households with children are hindered by insufficient online skills or lack the necessary technology such as devices, data, and broadband to engage with the digital world effectively.

According to the research, this digital gap exacerbates other forms of social exclusion.

The research, conducted by the University of Liverpool, Loughborough University, and the digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation, indicates that 45% of these families do not meet the required "minimum digital living standard" which encompasses digital capabilities and access to digital services.

Economically disadvantaged families, especially those residing outside of London, ethnic minority households, and those with disabled parents are disproportionately affected.

Emma Stone of the Good Things Foundation highlights the importance of this benchmark, stressing that the assumption that all families can access digital services is flawed.

Prof Simeon Yates, the lead researcher, suggests that the digital divide is more pervasive than perceived, underscoring the importance of access not just to technology but also to skills crucial for employment and well-being.

The study, which surveyed over 1,500 UK households, also found a correlation between poverty and the digital shortfall. Approximately 38% of families struggled with online skills, and 17% of parents couldn’t perform basic functions like setting up an email or making electronic payments. Worryingly, 27% of parents lacked the online savvy needed to protect against digital risks, such as scams and bullying.

Equipment issues also impact familial access. For instance, in Yorkshire, a family of five who initially shared one laptop struggled with prioritizing educational needs until a local network provided them with a second one, significantly easing their situation.

This case underscores the essential role digital access plays in education and developing skills like language proficiency in non-native speakers.

The report advises a comprehensive strategy to improve digital inclusion, urging actions from government, businesses, and service providers to reduce digital obstacles.