Key Takeaways
- The alarming prevalence of digital poverty is impacting various demographics, notably older adults and women.
- Recent conferences underline the urgent need for an inclusive, UK-wide technology strategy to mitigate digital poverty.
- New report shows that up to 19 million people in the UK, including 20% of children, are currently trapped in digital poverty.
The Scale of the Crisis
The recent events hosted by the Digital Poverty Alliance and Currys tackled an issue often overlooked: digital poverty. The conferences aimed to unite stakeholders under a common cause, presenting them with startling statistics that can no longer be ignored. Notably, the Deloitte report announced at the events illustrates that digital poverty affects around 13 to 19 million people aged 16 and above in the UK.
Elizabeth Anderson, Interim CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, unequivocally stated, “13-19 million people aged 16+ in the UK are estimated to be in digital poverty and those individuals miss out on huge opportunities from education, to the workplace and all the way through to later in life.”
The Victims: Who Bears the Brunt
The research went further, revealing that the crisis disproportionately affects various demographic groups. One in two older adults is impacted, women are 14-22% more likely to be affected than men, and approximately 20% of children find themselves mired in digital poverty.
“Women are 14-22% more likely to be affected by this issue than men,” said Moira Thomas, Director of Sustainability and ESG at Currys. “This shows that digital poverty is not just a broad societal issue; it’s a gender issue, it’s an age issue, and it’s an issue that affects our future—our children.”
Why This Matters: The Consequences of Inaction
The consequences of this digital divide extend beyond missing out on Zoom calls or social media updates. The lack of access to both tech skills and tech resources restricts individuals from essential services and opportunities that many take for granted. Whether it’s educational resources for children or job opportunities for adults, the divide has a far-reaching impact that hampers economic growth and exacerbates social inequalities.
What Needs to Be Done
During the conference, several action points were outlined to curb this growing crisis. Elizabeth Anderson emphasizes that “more must be done and a collective effort from all stakeholders is needed to achieve our goal of eradicating digital poverty by 2030.”
Paul Scully, Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy, noted that the government is keen to contribute to this collective effort. “The government recognizes the importance of tackling digital poverty as part of a broader strategy to equip the UK with the skills and infrastructure needed for a digital future.”
Stakeholders and Their Roles
While the role of the government is clear, other organizations also need to step up. Tech companies, educational institutions, and even individual citizens have a part to play in resolving this crisis. Private sector involvement, particularly from tech giants, will be crucial in providing the necessary resources and technology to those in need.
Moving Forward
The conferences have set the stage for a more concerted effort to combat digital poverty. The discussion has started, and the issue has been laid bare. It is now up to each stakeholder to play their part in this crucial societal issue. Digital inclusion is not just a catchphrase; it’s an urgent need, one that will define the progress and unity of the nation for years to come.
“Digital inclusion is not just a catchphrase; it’s an urgent need,” Anderson concluded. “A collective effort from all stakeholders is needed to achieve our goal of eradicating digital poverty by 2030.”
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