Having internet access important for children's learning during summer, says former Worcestershire teacher
A survey of 2,000 parents and 600 teachers has found that 57% of low-income families say their child struggles to access devices or reliable internet outside school
Children being able to use appropriate technology and access the internet safely through the summer holidays can be vital for their learning, says a former Worcestershire teacher.
A survey of 2,000 parents and 600 teachers has found that 57% of low-income families say their child struggles to access devices or reliable internet outside school.
The research by education tech provider RM Technology and the Digital Poverty Alliance reveals that nearly one in eight children (12%) rely on smartphones to complete schoolwork, while 15% must share a single device with siblings or parents.
Melanie Parker is an educational technologist for the RM group and used to teach in the Worcestershire area, she says the data is a worry as technology plays a big part in children's education.
"It's hugely concerning because we know these are from low income families," she said.
"The digital inclusion is about the learning but it's also about their future and the ability to even just simply apply for things such as part-time jobs, trying to do that on a device that is tiny just isn't appropriate.
"This is about them having an appropriate device for learning and then the students having the appropriate digital skills but also awareness of internet safety, so there's a whole package of things that it help it's not just about the device."
Other data showed 11% of those surveyed have little or no internet access at home, with 12% of families depending on neighbours’ or public Wi-Fi.