With rising living costs and lockdown support gone, some young people are more digitally excluded today than they were prior to the pandemic, a study shows.
The survey of 445 NSW school staff between April and June 2023 included classroom teachers, school leaders such as principals, and government and non-government school educators working in primary and high schools across Western Sydney, the rest of Sydney and regional NSW.
According to the findings, contained in the report, titled ‘Digital Equity and Education: A NSW Case Study,’ just 28% of students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and 19% of asylum seeker and refugee students are perceived to have adequate levels of digital inclusion.
“There is an increasing reliance on online platforms, and more and more emphasis is being placed on learning online,” Director of Policy and Research at the Whitlam Institute, Professor Azadeh Dastyari said.
“Living costs are rising, and with lock-down support gone, too many students are left without access to the technology they need for their education.”
The report also reveals disparities between regions, finding that only 31% of students in Western Sydney have access to digital devices for learning activities at home compared to just over 39% in regional NSW and nearly 60% in the rest of Sydney.
The researchers behind the survey warn that unless immediate action is taken to ensure equal access to devices, internet and essential digital skills for all learners, many school students across NSW risk falling behind in their education and life outcomes.
Professor Dastyari said the findings underscore the need to prioritise digital inclusion to meet the demands of modern education.
“The central message of this research is that it is imperative for every student – regardless of their background or geographical location – to have the necessary tools to thrive in an increasingly digital world,” Professor Dastyari said.
“Access to technology is critical for modern education – not only in times of crisis, but every day.”
The report also reveals disparities between regions, finding that only 31% of students in Western Sydney have access to digital devices for learning activities at home compared to just over 39% in regional NSW and nearly 60% in the rest of Sydney.
Director of the Centre for Western Sydney, Dr Rhonda Itaoui, said that the report highlights the impact digital equity has for educational and life outcomes, while driving home the need to break down the barriers for vulnerable groups living in key geographical areas like Western Sydney.
“The findings on the geography of digital equity emphasise the stark spatial divide between Western Sydney and other regions in terms of access to devices, internet connectivity, and digital literacy,” Dr Itaoui said.
“This report highlights that students in Western Sydney and regional NSW are at a distinct disadvantage in their experience of digital inclusion compared to their counterparts in the rest of Sydney.”
Professor Dastyari said digital access in education must be a top priority, especially for vulnerable groups and with a focus on areas most affected by digital exclusion.
“This focus is essential not only across different regions but also within cities themselves, where access can vary widely.”