Boost family resources to tackle ‘digital divide’ facing children, say child poverty campaigners

Child poverty campaigners responded today to publication of the latest results of the Growing Up in Scotland survey showing a “clear ‘digital divide’ between better and worse off families. John Dickie, Head of the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland, said;

“With a quarter of Scotland’s children still living in poverty, and no improvement in school results for the lowest attaining 20% of pupils, we need to see government at all levels act to increase family incomes, tackle the ‘digital divide’ and remove the barriers to education that hold back too many of our children from the moment they are born.”

“As the researchers conclude, lack of computer and internet access carry serious implications for even the youngest children’s long term educational opportunities, as do the stark differences in educational activities at home the survey describes. That’s why action to boost the resources children have at home is needed if all our children are to have access to the very best education."

Media contacts:
John Dickie, Head of CPAG in Scotland on 0141 552 3656 mobile 07795 340 618

Notes for editors

1. For details of the Growing Up in Scotland Survey see http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/02/18082719