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Many young people can’t access the technology they need to thrive

"The digital divide very much remains.”

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By Richard Jenkins, 72Point via SWNS

Many young people can't access the basic technology they need to thrive, according to research.

A study of 700 11 to 17-year-olds in the UK - revealed almost half don’t have access to adequate technology at home, and a third do not have a laptop or computer they can use, leaving millions of young people behind.

As a result, half believe it will affect their ability to perform well in the job market, being unable to keep up with the latest job opportunities or craft an engaging resume.

It also emerged over a quarter (27 percent) want access to the latest technology outside of school and college. However, 70 percent don’t have access to a youth club or space with access to do so.

Elaine Carey, chief commercial officer at Three Ireland and Three UK, which commissioned the research, said: “Access to technology and connectivity has never been more important for young people across the UK.

“It has become an integral part of their day-to-day life, from aiding them in their studies to providing them with a creative outlet or simply communicating with their friends outside of school.

“However, the digital divide very much remains.”

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Access to tech was identified as a key benefit of going to youth clubs, with three-quarters of those attending wishing theirs could provide access to digital technology and 59 percent saying a lack of tech will see them left behind socially.

Thousands attend youth clubs across the UK and it’s a government priority, with £380m ($466m USD) pledged to ensure that by 2025, every young person in England has access to regular out-of-school activities.

Of those who attend youth clubs, 43 percent do so to socialize and meet new people, while 42 percent make use of the facilities to study for school or complete homework.

And 40 percent of those polled via OnePoll value their youth club as a safe space outside of their home.

In light of these findings, Three has launched a pilot campaign to supercharge three youth clubs across Leeds and Birmingham with its high-speed 5G Wi-Fi and Lenovo tablets.

Elaine Carey added: “We wanted to look at how we could support young people who might not have access to the tech they need at home.

It also emerged AirPods and wireless headphones were the most common piece of tech owned by young Brits, with 38 percent of those surveyed coveting a pair.

This was despite connectivity being named the top piece of tech young adults believe they need to achieve their best.

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