Scottish school children in digital poverty due to funding ‘betrayal’
3 min read
The poorest Scottish school children are being betrayed by the Scottish Government with some being left in ‘digital poverty’.
That is the Scottish Labour Party’s accusation aimed at the SNP’s failure to stick to their 2021 manifesto promise to provide every child with “a device to get online, including a free internet connection and the support to use it”.
The SNP had originally pledged £5m annually to support this, with the aim being to eradicate a difference in technical online skills based on the type of background a child comes from.
Despite this commitment, a freedom of information request from Labour revealed that money is no longer being provided in this area, with the Scottish Government claiming that they “were unable to provide a specific allocation in the 2024-25 SFC capital budget for digital inclusion, as in previous years”.
One Scottish education charity has claimed that this lack of funding could crucially hinder online skills and experience for children in the long run.
David Mackay, head of policy, projects, and participation at Children in Scotland, said: “We know that lack of access to equipment or a secure internet connection, as families struggle to cope with the cost, can negatively impact the development of these crucial digital skills and experiences.”
Mr Mackay also made clear that this lack of funding isn’t just negative one and for all, but can be detrimental for certain groups of children – including those who require additional support while they are attending school.
He added: “Digital inclusion enhances children and young people’s educational experiences by providing access to a wide range of learning opportunities.
“It also impacts the support children and young people, and their families receive, which is particularly important for those with additional support needs.”
When confronted with this lack of spending commitment in Parliament, education secretary, Jenny Gilruth laid out plans for how she believes the Scottish Government can continue to reach for their goal despite a lack of funding.
She told STV: “In order to maximise the impact of capital funding available, we will seek to provide support at a household level, targeting investment specifically at disadvantaged families with children.”
Isla Nevin, who is a teacher at Milburn Academy, in the Highlands, is unsure whether intervening in poorer households to deliver free Wi-Fi is the best use of money available.
The business studies and admin teacher said: “I do not think that it is Highland Council or any other council’s responsibility to provide Wi-Fi for children.
“I don’t think that is the best use of taxpayer’s money.
“There are some families who are struggling to eat and heat their homes – Wi-Fi is not a necessity, but food, heat and clothing are.”
As a teacher who is working in a technological online department, Isla says can understand concerns over “digital poverty” – but believes there are more pressing issues to be tackled first.
She added: “Pupils can access devices and Wi-Fi and these digital technologies while they are in the school building but there is more that the government can do to better the life of these disadvantaged students while they are at home.
“I don’t think providing Wi-Fi at home is going to do that.”
