Merseyside Digital Development

Children from jobless and low income families will receive a free computer and free broadband access under major plans to close the digital divide amongst young people.

The £300m investment will help make England one of the first countries in the world to ensure every single young person can use a computer and the internet at home for their education.

Schools Minister Jim Knight said that the achievement gap between rich and poor can only be closed in the modern world if everyone has access to a computer and high speed internet access.

Jim Knight said:

“Home access to ICT has educational, economic and social benefits. In fact it is now clear that pupils without internet access are at a disadvantage to their peers. Home access is increasingly becoming an essential part of a good education and having a computer with internet access should be seen as equally essential as having a school bag, a uniform or a pen and paper. Many of us could not have even dreamed of having a computer in our own home when we were at school, but times have changed and young people are now at a significant disadvantage if they do not have a computer and access to the internet. They are no longer luxury items, but are essential for a good education.

“It is unacceptable that the digital divide is growing with 35 per cent of families having no access to the internet and around a million children having no computer at home. That’s why we are taking this unprecedented step.

“But this isn’t simply about handing out laptops and plugging them into broadband. Of course this is central to our plans but a laptop that’s never used will not close the digital divide. What’s important is what young people use computers for. I want young people using the internet to study and research their school work and to find information that would normally be difficult to get hold of.

“What I find particularly exciting is that young people can then show their parents and grandparents how to use the internet so they can benefit from the vast amount of information available at their fingertips.”

The announcement follows an independent report published today by leading industry and educational experts who make up the ‘Home Access Taskforce’. The taskforce recommended boosting educational equality by ensuring that every 5-19 year-old can log on to the internet at home by 2011.

While further investigation is being carried out into the requirements of learners aged 5-7, the initial ‘Home Access’ package includes:

• broadband for all young people between 7 - and 19-years-old whose families are eligible;
• a free laptop or other computer with relevant software and hardware bought with a ‘Home Access’ voucher; and
• support covering important areas such as internet safety, effective use of technology for learning and a technical support helpline.

The programme will begin in November 2008 with targeted funding available for all local authorities to provide home access for groups such as looked after children and others for whom the authority has special responsibility. The wider programme will be piloted in early 2009 in two local authority areas, with expansion to the rest of England starting in autumn 2009. Families in receipt of income support or unemployment benefits will be able to apply for a ‘Home Access’ Grant which they can use to purchase a package from accredited suppliers. The programme aims to work towards universal home access by 2011.