Two thirds of world’s school-age children have no internet access at home
(VOVWORLD) -The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UNICEF have called for urgent investment to bridge a digital divide currently preventing children and young people from accessing quality digital learning and opportunities online.
 12-year-old Elizabeth and 10-year-old Justin follow a Social Studies lesson on the EDU TV while doing their revision at home in Kibera. (Photo: UNICEF) |
Their joint report has revealed that two thirds of the world’s school-age children – or 1.3 billion children aged 3 to 17 years old – do not have internet connection in their homes.
The report notes a similar lack of access among young people aged 15-24 years old, with 759 million or 63 per cent unconnected at home. Lack of connectivity doesn’t just limit children and young people’s ability to connect online. It prevents them from competing in the modern economy and isolates them from the world.