When we talk about the modern world being more connected than ever before, it’s all too easy to assume that because the internet is for everyone, that everyone is online. For those of us who use it everyday, being part of that world is second nature.
However, for around 4 billion people globally (including around 6 million in the UK) who have never been online, knowing how or where to start is a huge challenge.
Having worked with many people and groups facing that challenge over the past few years, I believe there are five things that need to be in place to help people to be become safe, competent, confident internet users.
Connectivity
Only around 40% of the world’s population has access to the internet, and over 90% of them are from the developed world.
For example in the UK, BT and other network providers are rolling out fibre across the country and around three quarters of the population has access to fibre broadband. Current forecasts are that coverage will reach around 95% of the UK in the next couple of years as more remote and isolated parts of the country get fibre.
However, it’s not the same across the world. For many, getting an internet connection is much more challenging than it is in the UK. In sub-Saharan Africa, BT is working in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages to bring free internet access to 30 SOS Children’s Villages locations via a global satellite network using recycled equipment. The impact on the lives of the children, their carers and the staff in the villages is truly transformational in areas such as health and education, and it opens up huge economic and social opportunities for everyone in the village.
Regardless of the connectivity method, that’s only one part of the solution. If people don’t understand how to use it, or the benefits they can gain, then it’s never going to be fully utilised.
Tools
Making sure that people have the tools to get online is vital. This isn’t just about tablets, PCs, e-books, smartphones etc, but about having the right equipment for what you want to do. For example, using social media on a smartphone is fine, but completing a tax return on it would be a challenge. For those who need adaptive technology to go online, there is a range of hardware and software that can help, and it’s critical to recognise this as part of the mix when thinking about helping people to get online.
But it’s not just the user device that matters, but what it can connect them to. For people in remote parts of Brazil, the Caixa Bank owns two floating branches equipped with BT satellite technology to provide a secure connection to the bank’s data network. The boats operate on the Amazon providing essential services to 260,000 people so that they can transfer money, apply for micro-loans or access social benefits.
Skills
As with the tools, this comes down to what the user wants to do, and in the developed world there are many definitions of “basic online skills” that can be used e.g. sending emails, completing an online form or using a search engine. However in other parts of the world having online skills can take things to a whole different level. For example the work that BT has done for many years in support of the Katha KITES school in Govindpuri – one of the poorest slum areas in Delhi, India – has helped thousands of students gain qualifications and skills to help them to progress from school into well paid employment. This enables the student – and their family – to be lifted out of poverty and into a more prosperous life.
Motivation
This is a point that is easy to overlook. People who’ve never been online must have a motive for doing so. Whilst this is a matter of personal choice, there needs to be an understanding of what is of interest. For some it will be keeping in touch with far-away friends and family, for others it will be looking for work, or wanting to feel part of 21st century society. For any of us helping someone to go online for the first time, some simple questions around hobbies and interests can hook into the motivation to take those first steps.
Online safety
We want people to be safe online. We’ve all seen the media reports that highlight security breaches, phishing scams and dangers that can be frightening and off-putting. If people know how to stay safe online, they’re more likely to have enjoyable, rewarding experiences. The work of organisations such as Internet Matters set up by BT, BSkyB, Talk Talk and Virgin Media to promote online safety for children and their parents, are critical in helping people to use the internet safely.
The internet is an amazing source of information, entertainment, social engagement, discovery and much more. I have seen first-hand how it can change people’s lives for the better. Let’s do all that we can to ensure that the possibilities of the internet are available to everyone.
About the UK Digital Inclusion Charter
Organisations that sign the UK Digital Inclusion Charter will jointly lead a cross-sector partnership focused on delivering a set of actions that aims to reduce the number of people in the UK who are offline by 25%.
Signatories of the charter include CILIP, the BBC, BT, EE, NHS England and Vodaphone. A full list can be seen on the gov.uk website.
This article was originally published on cilip.org.uk.
Content on this page is paid for and provided by BT, sponsor of the technology and innovation hub.
