Digital inequality is the new frontier of educational disadvantage this anti-poverty week

National education charity The Smith Family is shining a light this Anti-Poverty Week [13-19 October] on the deepening digital divide that is holding many students back from making the most of their education, as part of a wider push to end child poverty.

Access to an appropriate digital device is crucial for a child’s success at school. However, students experiencing disadvantage often cannot afford such items, limiting their participation in education and employment opportunities.

“Gone are the days when pen and paper were the key materials a child needed at school. Digital devices are now non-negotiable in both the classroom and at home. Students simply cannot hope to complete their homework and assignments without having these items and being digitally connected,” says Doug Taylor, CEO of The Smith Family.

Currently, 30% of students supported through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life education program are not digitally included, meaning they don’t have access to a laptop or tablet, either their own or shared, in a household with mobile or broadband internet.

Digital inclusion means more than just having access to a device and a reliable internet connection. It also involves having the necessary skills and support to navigate the online world.

The latest NAP ICT Literacy report found 25% of Year 10 students and 40% of Year 6 students don’t have access to a suitable device outside school.

Meanwhile, the latest Australian Digital Inclusion Index shows that while the digital divide has narrowed many of those on the wrong side of the divide are falling even further behind.

“While it’s promising to see some improvement in closing the digital divide, the reality is still that too many children, already affected by disadvantage are being further impacted by digital poverty,” Taylor says.

“I have serious concerns about the ability of all students to thrive in the modern-day classroom and to be adequately prepared for future work and study opportunities if they do not have access to the necessary digital resources, home internet and technological support, as well as the chance to develop their digital literacy skills,” Mr. Taylor says.

“Our recent Smith Family Community Attitudes survey shows that my concerns are shared by Australians. The survey found that, along with literacy and numeracy skills, 79% of respondents believe digital skills are a critical component to a young person’s education. Moreover, 8 in 10 also think that students experiencing poverty are further disadvantaged when it comes to not having access to the essential digital resources for classroom participation,” Taylor added.

During Anti-Poverty Week, The Smith Family, WorkVentures and Good Things Foundation, are jointly highlighting the growing issue of digital poverty.

Caroline McDaid, CEO of WorkVentures, says a key component to closing the digital divide is helping the public to understand the impact of what it means to be digitally excluded and proactively and pragmatically helping Australians affected by this issue to overcome this challenge.

"We’re proud to be supporting The Smith Family’s work by helping students access the technology they need and empowering them to take full advantage of the resources and opportunities available to them.”

Work Ventures has supplied The Smith Family with 6,400 refurbished laptops over the last two financial years.

“The Smith Family is committed to ensuring every Learning for Life student we work with is digitally included – meaning they have a device, internet access and digital skills,” says Taylor.

This year, Anti-Poverty Week is supporting 3 campaigns that are acting to end poverty: End Child Poverty, Raise the Rate and Everybody’s Home, and there are a range of public events in capital and regional cities around Australia for people to attend. For more information, visit antipovertyweek.org.au.

To donate to close the digital divide for students, visit thesmithfamily.com.au.

Doug and Caroline are NSW co-chairs of this year’s Anti-Poverty Week, which aims to help Australians understand poverty and take action collectively to end it.