ITV reports on fears that in some rural areas, pupils are missing out on home-schooling during lockdown due to poor internet access

The data, which was part of a study by the Children's Commissioner for England, examined vulnerabilities faced by children during the COVID-19 crisis and highlighted the issue of digital inequality.

Areas including Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire ranked amongst the lowest five percent in the country for the number of children living in homes with internet speeds below 10mbs - which is considered suitable for just one or two users.

The broadcaster writes that digital inequality is becoming an increasingly acute problem during school closures; on top of not having compatible devices in order to complete work set by schools, many families are struggling to even access it due to slow or no internet at all.

This digital divide is ‘even more pronounced’ in rural communities where broadband access can be very limited and across lower income groups which can ‘simply not afford it’.

Full article:

ITV - Fears Norfolk's children 'being left behind' due to lockdown digital divide