A study of 2,000 parents of 6-18 year old children found 44% worry their offspring’s current knowledge doesn’t stretch much further than scrolling social media
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A recent study revealed that 80% of parents believe digital skills should be given the same importance as reading and writing in schools. However, the research, which surveyed 2,000 parents of children aged 6-18, found that 44% are concerned their kids’ current knowledge doesn’t extend much beyond scrolling through social media.
Two-thirds of parents believe that early learning is crucial for building a robust digital skillset, with 61% thinking it will boost their children’s future career prospects. Moreover, 67% see it as a necessity for integration as the world becomes increasingly digitised. Interestingly, 45% of parents think coding and programming should be included in the school curriculum.
Sian Laffin, from Three UK, which offers training sessions nationwide in its stores and online, and commissioned the research, stated: “Parents clearly want to set their children up well for the digital age.”
“Digital literacy opens up a world of opportunities for children, providing them with the skills to learn, create, and communicate in new and innovative ways.”
“Ensuring that children are digitally literate is crucial for their personal and academic growth. It prepares them to meet the demands of the modern workforce and society.”
The research discovered that 62% of respondents believe basic computer skills should be taught to children, while 54% emphasised the importance of social media safety education.
Typing lessons were considered essential by 52% of those surveyed, and 30% would appreciate children being taught basic graphic design skills.
However, a significant 74% expressed concern that children without access to the latest technology could be left behind in the future job market.
Furthermore, 76% of participants believe a portion of a school’s budget should be reserved to ensure students have access to the latest digital technology.
Despite only 11% of parents rating their own digital skills as ‘excellent’, 67% expressed a desire for a better understanding of online protection.
More than four in 10 (44%) admitted to forgetting usernames or passwords for their online accounts, and 26% struggled with setting up a wireless device.
A quarter of respondents experienced frustration when their Wi-Fi went down and they lacked the technical skills to fix it, according to figures from OnePoll.com.
Currently, only 53% of respondents use technology to monitor their child, such as phone software to track their location or access their internet search history. Respondents believed that children are ready to use their own ‘personal’ screens, like a phone or tablet, from the age of eight.
Sian Laffin, from Three, commented: “Tech is the way of the future and will continue to impact every person in the country going forward. It’s important to find a balance between understanding and being confident with technology and becoming too reliant on it.”
“Tech education should cover both of these elements, letting young people know what options are available to them beyond social media.”
