New research conducted by UK Youth reveals that there is a limitation in access to technology for the younger generation.
Technology has become an imperative tool in the workforce. Allowing people to progress in ways that hadn’t been seen before. Now, more than ever, access to digital resources is a driving force to success, and unfortunately, a large proportion of organisations in the UK don’t have access to it, often due to a lack of funding.
This subsequently creates an obstacle for young adults to progress in their careers. Due to limited access to learning resources that are required in most workforces.
What does the report say?
UK Youth’s report shared the following statistics:
“Around 7 out of 10 young people in the UK either agreed or strongly agreed that digital skills are essential for their future job/career (Digital Youth Index, 2023). However, 14% of all young people lack access to a learning device (a laptop or desktop computer). This equates to 2 million young people across the UK (Digital Youth Index, 2023).To deliver this important and timely work and equip young people with the skills or experiences they need to thrive.”
Additionally, the report stated that the cost-of-living crisis continues to have detrimental damage on the progress of certain organisations.
“86% of organisations have seen their income negatively affected by the cost of living crisis (easyfundraising, 2024). Dwindling financial resources have been compounded by historically low rates in the number of people volunteering, a key resource for the youth sector (Pro Bono Economics, 2024).”
How does this create social barriers?
While it’s understandable that there is little to no reassurance that there is ever a plausible way to ensure equal access to digital technology, the concern is that the disproportion is at a critical level. Thus, preventing thousands of young adults from having the opportunity to collaborate with others and develop basic skills.
Access is everything, and without it, it means that an inappropriate number of people are unfairly experiencing a completely different and unjust version of collaborative projects. If we, as a country, want to tackle the NEET issue (young adults not in further education, employment or training), then we must provide ample tools and technology for them to progress with.
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What are the solutions?
International Legal Practice, Osborne Clarke, has since investigated the matter, conducting thorough research between 2024 and 2025. In conclusion, the organisation declared a series of plausible solutions. Including:
- Identify the digital infrastructure gaps, needs and preferences of organisations working to support young people.
- Identify the barriers and opportunities for youth sector professionals accessing digital infrastructure support.
- Identify the barriers the digital and tech sector experience engaging with youth sector professionals.
- Understand the role that digital can play to improve collaboration between professionals supporting young people
- Explore the role of youth organisations
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Laviea Thomas is a journalist at Inside Success who writes about film, music and politics.
Outside of that, she is an experienced freelance journalist with bylines in NME, The Quietus, Metal Hammer and more.
Over the years, Laviea has been an active panellist discussing fundamental conversations in the music industry, such as diversity and inclusion, and the importance of grassroots venues. She has been a panel guest for Kerrang! Focus Wales Festival, Future Yard and more.
