The digital divide and how it is exacerbating inequalities in Bristol

While the switch to online accelerated by the pandemic has been transformative for many, it has also served to highlight and exacerbate existing inequalities.

The digital divide has been exposed in a new report by the University of Bristol’s Bristol Digital Futures Institute (BDFI) and Knowle West Media Centre (KWMC), which calls for investment in solutions to prevent people from getting left behind.

Researchers found digital inequality could severely impact life chances by shaping educational outcomes, job opportunities or access to essential services.

More than 5,000 people in Knowle West were surveyed about their experience of digital technologies during the first lockdown as part of the research, which has now been extended to other communities.

“Bristol is a leader in digital innovation, but social and economic inequalities mean that effects of this are uneven and – in some cases – these inequalities are exacerbated by the shift to digital,” says professor Susan Halford, co-director of Bristol Digital Futures Institute, a University of Bristol research institute that is creating digital technology for more inclusive futures.

“This issue was magnified during lockdown and will persist if it’s not tackled.”

The survey, carried out in May and June 2020, revealed household internet connectivity in Knowle West is high but researchers found several persistent challenges:

·  People experiencing multiple inequalities – including low income, precarious employment, health conditions and food poverty – were particularly disadvantaged by digital disparities during lockdown, as information and services shifted online and support networks were cut off.

·  Only 47 per cent of those who needed a laptop or PC for homeschooling had access to one.

·  Residents without internet access quoted a range of factors, including cost (50 per cent of respondents), confidence (45 per cent), skills (45 per cent), privacy and security concerns (45 per cent).

”The research highlights the need for investment in community-led solutions,” says the director of Knowle West Media Centre

Director of KWMC Carolyn Hassan said: ”The research highlights the need for investment in community-led solutions to address the digital divide and we look forward to working local and national decision-makers to make that a reality.”

The research has led to the publication of a policy paper that sets out how Bristol could drive initiatives to reduce the digital divide, particularly in areas of multiple deprivation.

The report calls on local and national policymakers to respond with targeted action, including:

·  Making it compulsory for providers to offer cheaper deals for lower-income households.

·  For public services to rapidly identify children without adequate digital resources such as devices, access to high-speed internet and data.

·  A publicly available map of connectivity across the city to highlight low connectivity areas for priority action.

Commenting on the findings, mayor Marvin Rees said: “This new research published today underlines the importance of tackling digital inequality and understanding the pervasive impact of digital poverty.”

A project run in conjunction with Bristol Waste is one of a number in the city seeking to tackle the digital divide, with the aim of recycling and redistributing 4,000 council laptops so people can access opportunities, stay connected and not get left behind.

Dr Helen Manchester, University of Bristol reader in digital inequalities and urban futures, added: “Thanks to the contributions from the people of Knowle West, our research provides an evidence base for communities, government and businesses to drive change for more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous digital futures.”

Researchers now plan to re-create the survey in Knowle West, to understand how the picture of digital inequality has changed one year on. The work will also expand in scope, starting with racial justice organisation Black South West Network and Babbasa, a social enterprise that supports young people to realise their education and employment ambitions.

Main photo courtesy of digilocal

Read more: Laptops for Bristol: Donate your old laptops 

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