- The provision of laptops is highly likely to improve educational outcomes and a child’s motivation to study.
- Currys remains committed to helping eradicate digital poverty by 2030, through schemes such as Tech4Families, delivered by the Digital Poverty Alliance.
- 85% of children who have received a laptop through Tech4Families were getting one for the first time, as many children typically rely on old smartphones to access schoolwork.
New research* by the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA), of which Currys is a founding partner, has revealed the damaging effects that digital poverty is having on children’s education.
Almost all (88%) parents agreed that their children were disadvantaged to some extent by not having access to a laptop for studying, with prohibitive costs being the largest barrier to getting children access to laptops (86%).
Many children (58%) rely on other devices, mainly mobiles, to access their schoolwork, and often this would be on an older model of a smartphone. Most smartphone users (66%) agreed it is more difficult to complete forms and work on documents via a smartphone compared with a laptop. On top of this, the research also suggests that students who preferred to use smartphones to complete academic tasks tend to have lower levels of academic performance than those who use laptops.
Currys is committed and taking action to be part of the solution and in collaboration with the DPA, launched the Tech4Families** scheme to bring laptops into the hands of the families who need them most. Through the scheme, which is funded by microdonations from Currys’ customers, laptops have been provided to 1,758 families who didn’t have access to suitable devices. 85% of children who have received a laptop through the Tech4Families scheme were getting one for the first time.
After one month of laptop ownership, the vast majority of parents (92%) surveyed agreed that the device has improved their child’s motivation to learn; this was especially true for older children (10 to 16) (95%).
The research also discovered the positive impact of having a laptop for children with additional needs and disabilities, enabling them to study at their own pace and away from a classroom setting - subsequently reducing stress.
The scheme points to a strong correlation between device ownership and digital literacy. When launched, Tech4Families discovered that only 40% of parents and caregivers felt their child was ‘very comfortable’ using a computer, but this rose to 53% after six months with access to a suitable device at home.
“The research speaks for itself and reaffirms that the work we are doing to help families get access to laptops and the life-changing benefits of technology. A smartphone simply isn’t the right device to support a child’s learning, and in helping more children get access to a laptop through the Tech4Families scheme, we’re increasing their ability and motivation to learn and achieve educational outcomes. There’s a long way to go, but we’re proud to work so closely with the DPA in making a real difference to the lives of so many families and helping combat digital poverty.”
Moira Thomas Group Sustainability & ESG Director, Currys plc
“Digital exclusion remains a critical issue across the UK, worsened by the cost-of-living crisis, which forces families to choose between essential needs and access to technology. This digital divide significantly impacts children’s education, as many lack the necessary devices to participate in online lessons and complete homework, leading to educational setbacks.
Elizabeth Anderson CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance
The Tech4Families initiative was launched with the aim of bridging this gap by increasing access to digital devices and enhancing digital skills for families in disadvantaged communities. We have seen a marked improvement in student engagement and educational outcomes as a result of this support. By providing these essential tools, we are helping to equip the next generation of UK leaders and innovators with the resources they need to succeed and build a brighter future for all.”
About the Digital Poverty Alliance
The Digital Poverty Alliance is a non-profit charity member initiative convening individuals from across business, government, charity and education, with the sole aim of eradicating digital poverty in the UK, and ultimately globally. The organisation works to convene and combine the multiple initiatives and research on digital poverty to create one national strategy.
** https://digitalpovertyalliance.org/projects/tech4families/