Empowering the Next Generation: Digital Youth Index

The Digital Divide: A Closer Look

At its core, the digital divide is a disparity between groups in three key areas: access to basic digital skills, availability of adequate and affordable devices, and affordable internet connectivity. Despite advancements in technology, people still remain behind due to gaps in these areas.

The statistics are telling:

• 75% of the population believes the Government should intensify efforts to fix the digital divide.
• 10 million UK adults lack essential digital skills for life and work.
• Over 2 million households struggle to afford internet bills.

Nominet Digital Youth

The Nominet Digital Youth Index reports on key performance indicators in digital inclusion. It unravels the complexities of young people’s relationship with the digital world, revealing hidden challenges, barriers, and concerns. Most importantly, it highlights the areas which need our focus and attention.

Nominet’s Findings

Digital skills

The report reveals that young people are unsatisfied with current training for digital skills with many being left without basic digital skills in adult employment. This highlights the necessity of digital literacy, a field where our beginner digital skills platform Learn My Way has excelled, helping hundreds of thousands acquire crucial digital skills. 

Digital access

14% of young people lack access to essential learning devices like laptops or desktop computers, affecting approximately 2 million youths across the UK. This situation poses serious challenges to educational equality and social mobility. Our National Device Bank initiative is a direct response to this need, providing free, refurbished devices to bridge this gap.

Connectivity 

15% of young people lack broadband access at home and 11% are being forced to alter or cancel internet plans due to financial constraints. Here, our National Databank plays a crucial role, offering mobile data to those in need.

Nominet’s findings underscore the need for action to enable digital inclusion and Good Things have been campaigning to fix the digital divide for over a decade. Our National Digital Inclusion Network now has over 3,5000 hyperlocal hubs offering a wide range of services, including connectivity, devices and provides essential digital skills required to thrive.

The #DigitalYouth Index launch was not just an event; it was a call to work together to fix the digital divide for good. As the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation believes in empowering people from all corners of society with the opportunities to flourish in the digital world. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the skills, access and connectivity, no matter their age or background.

Join Us in Championing Digital Inclusion

Your involvement can make a significant difference. Whether you’re an individual passionate about technology, a community leader, or a business owner, your voice and actions can contribute to a more digitally inclusive society.

Share your challenges

Your experiences and insights are invaluable. Tell us the hurdles you face in the digital world, and let’s work together to find solutions. #FixTheDigitalDivide

Become a member

Join our National Digital Inclusion Network and become part of a national voice advocating for digital inclusion. Your support and contributions are crucial in shaping our campaigns and initiatives.

Donate devices

Through our National Device Bank initiative, you can help provide essential digital devices to those in need. Your contributions can make a huge difference in someone’s educational and professional journey.

Together, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of age or background, has access to the necessary digital skills, devices, and connectivity. Join us at Good Things Foundation in making digital inclusion a reality for all.