Almost three in five young people (59%) worry they will be left behind socially – as they do not have access to basic technology, a study has found.
One in three 11-17-year-olds do not have a laptop or computer they can use at home, according to a poll of 700 youngsters in this age group.
And half of those polled worry their lack of access to adequate technology will impact their ability to perform well in the job market – being unable to keep up with the latest job opportunities or craft an engaging CV.
It also emerged over a quarter (27%) want access to the latest technology, outside of school and college – however, 70% 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 in communicating with their friends out of school.
“However, the digital divide very much remains.”
Access to tech was identified as a key benefit of going to youth clubs, with three-quarters of those who attend one wishing theirs could provide access to digital technology.
Thousands attend youth clubs across the UK – and it is 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% do so to socialise and meet new people, while 42% make use of the facilities to study for school or complete homework.
And 40% 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 – Hall Green Youth Centre and Shard End Youth Centre, both based in Birmingham, and the Hamara Centre, based in Leeds.
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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 pieces of tech owned by young Brits, with 38% 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.
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.
“Our internet is poor and our computers are years old – so we are 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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