A THIRD of young people across the UK can't access the basic technology they need to thrive, according to research.
A study of 700 11-to-17-year-olds 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 CV.
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 in communicating with their friends out of school.
“However, the digital divide very much remains.”
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It also emerged 27 per cent want access to the latest technology, outside of school and college, however, 70 per cent don’t have access to a youth club or space to access to do so.
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 per cent 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 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 per cent do so to socialise and meet new people, while 42 per cent make use of the facilities to study for school or complete homework.
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And 40 per cent of those polled via OnePoll value their youth club as a safe space outside of their home.
This was backed up by the 93 per cent of youth club attendees who believe the function of these venues is important to the fabric of local communities everywhere.
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: Hall Green Youth Centre and Shard End Youth Centre – both based in Birmingham – and the Hamara Centre based in Leeds.
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.
“We’re really excited about partnering with the Hamara Centre, Hall Green and Shard End on this initiative; both in providing them with connectivity and technology and in supporting the incredible work that they are already doing for the local community.”
It also emerged AirPods and wireless headphones were the most common piece of tech owned by young Brits, with 38 per cent of those surveyed coveting a pair.
Smart TVs, tablets and printers were all common pieces of tech owned by youngsters, though just 33 per cent said they had access to high-speed broadband.
This was despite connectivity being named the top piece of tech young adults believe they need to achieve their best.
Jules Lancaster, senior youth worker at Shard End Youth, one of the three organisations supported by the project, added: “Shard End Youth Centre has played a vital role for the local community for more than 50 years and has continued to evolve to meet the needs of young people.
“However, we know that technology is one area that we have not been able to keep pace with.
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“Our internet is poor and our computers are years old, we’re therefore absolutely delighted with this excellent initiative.
“Everyone is so excited about using the tablets and having access to high-speed internet, so we’ve no doubt that it will be a game-changer for us.”
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