Nearly half of UK families with children lack the online skills or access to devices, data and broadband required to participate in today's digital society, according to new research. The study, led by the University of Liverpool, Loughborough University and the Good Things Foundation, found that 45% of households with children fell below a newly defined 'minimum digital living standard'. Experts warn that this digital divide acts as an 'amplifier of other exclusions' in areas such as health and education.
The research, which surveyed over 1,500 UK households, revealed that families from low socioeconomic backgrounds, those in deprived areas, and households outside London were less likely to meet the threshold. Minority ethnic households and those with disabled parents were twice as likely to fall below it. Poverty was identified as a key predictor, with Ofcom figures showing 28% of households struggle to afford broadband and other communication services.
Functional digital skills were lacking in 17% of households, meaning parents could not perform tasks such as creating an email account or making online payments. A further 27% of households were led by parents missing critical digital skills needed to protect their families from online harms like scams, bullying and grooming. Meanwhile, 18.5% of households did not fully meet the equipment and services threshold, lacking broadband, a TV or devices.
Lead researcher Professor Simeon Yates of the University of Liverpool said the findings were disappointing but unsurprising. 'Covid shone a very harsh light on this when kids couldn't get access to education,' he said. 'We're trying to get people to have a grown-up conversation about it: it's not just about having a laptop, it's about connecting to skills, employment, wellbeing.' The report recommends a 'holistic' response from public, voluntary and private sector organisations to reduce digital barriers.
One family from Yorkshire shared how a lack of devices impacted their children's education. Eman's family of five had only one laptop, causing difficulties for her 12-year-old daughter to complete online homework while her 16-year-old sister needed it for GCSE study. After receiving a second laptop from a local hub, Eman said her younger daughter could now study more easily. 'Before, my younger daughter was waiting on her sister until it was late to do her homework, and now she can do it when she comes home. It makes it much easier for her and us also – it was a lot of pressure on the household.'
