A study of internet access amongst children, by Ofcom, pointed out the important role such access plays in children\u2019s education. It pointed out that by far the highest category of internet usage (75%) amongst 12-15 year olds was for school related work. The study also pointed out the disadvantage suffered by poorer children as only 31% of such children i.e. those in C2DE socioeconomic groups do not have internet access at home and rely on schools and friends for such access, while only 12% of children in ABC1 socioeconomic group do so (2007).<\/p>\n
A recent report from Becta (2008) highlighted some of the benefits for children of having home internet access which goes beyond simply being able to do their homework.<\/p>\n
Social exclusion caused by lack of internet access<\/strong><\/p>\n According to Communities and Local Government (2008), those most deprived socially are also most likely to lack access to internet access. \u201cThree out of four of those \u2018broadly\u2019 socially excluded lack a meaningful engagement with the internet\u201d. In addition, they were the group categorised as \u2018deeply socially excluded\u2019 whose lack of internet access is even greater. They account for some 10 % of the UK population.<\/p>\n Another study into broadband adoption acknowledged that while such access was increasingly a prerequisite for social and economic inclusion, \u201climited availability, poor quality service, hardware costs, hidden fees and billing transparency\u201d were major issues for low income communities (SSRC 2010). The report went onto point out the critical role played by \u2018third spaces\u2019 such as libraries who provide a safety net for access and as providers of training and task based assistance for their communities.<\/p>\n