Advancing technologies are not giving all children a better future

Source– The post is based on the article “Advancing technologies are not giving all children a better future” published in the “Live Mint” on 25th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Inclusive growth. GS2- Vulnerable sections of the population

Relevance: Issues related to digital divide

News- The article explains the issue of lack of digital access, connectivity and literacy among children from vulnerable sections.

What are some digital divides among vulnerable sections of the population?

Women, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, ethnic or linguistic minorities, indigenous communities and residents of impoverished or remote areas are mostly impacted by this digital divide.

Children from underprivileged backgrounds are most vulnerable. They lack access to the resources needed to utilise advancing technologies.

As per a report jointly released by Unicef and the International Telecommunication Union, 2.2 billion children and young people aged 25 years or younger lack internet connectivity in their homes. 768 million children without internet access reside in South Asia.

Closer home, report by the Unified District Information System for Education plus, about 66% of schools in India lack access to the internet. Less than 50% of the schools surveyed had functional computers.

What are the impacts of digital divide on children and young population?

It impacts the academic, professional and personal endeavours of children in an increasingly digitised world.

In today’s interconnected world, access to the internet has become a fundamental necessity. It serves as a gateway to knowledge, information and opportunities.

Children from rural households face unequal levels of connectivity and access to online resources compared to their urban counterparts.

Without appropriate interventions, these disparities will only widen. It will limit educational opportunities and hinder their ability to engage in e–learning, access online educational material, and participate in virtual classrooms.

The lack of internet access in rural areas also impacts their social development. They are unable to connect with peers, explore diverse perspectives, and access a wealth of online content that could enrich their knowledge and experiences.

This dearth of connectivity also hinders their exposure to digital literacy and essential technological skills. These have become increasingly crucial in today’s workforce.

As a result, the digital divide exacerbates existing socio–economic inequalities and perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage for rural communities.

Way forward

To bridge the digital divide and ensure equal opportunities for children from rural households, concerted efforts are required.

This entails expanding internet infrastructure, enhancing connectivity in remote areas, and making internet services more affordable and accessible.

Universal Service Obligation Fund can be utilised. It was intended to financially support telecom services in rural and remote regions with limited commercial viability.

Public–private partnerships can play a crucial role in implementing initiatives to address these challenges, such as establishing community centers with internet access or leveraging innovative technologies like satellite-based internet connectivity.

Collaborative efforts among government agencies, educational institutions, companies with corporate social responsibility budgets, and non-profit organizations is required.

It can help develop comprehensive strategies aimed at empowering rural communities and providing them with the tools needed to succeed in the digital era.

Investing in closing the digital divide for education is particularly crucial for marginalized children in India. The private sector can play a pivotal role by investing in infrastructure, expanding connectivity, and offering affordable internet services.

Telecom companies can collaborate with governments to extend network coverage, while tech companies can support digital literacy and skills training.

Capacity–enhancement programs that combine digital literacy with entrepreneurship initiatives from marginalized communities, to leverage technology for personal and economic development.