In Spain, 95% of children between 10 and 15 years old use the Internet, but there are still 300,000 children and teenagers who have not used a computer and 140,000 who have not had a single contact on the internet. "In the digital environment in which these children were born, not having access to digital technology is another form of exclusion that can have consequences on their personal development and work future" , according to Maite Pacheco, director of Awareness and Childhood Policies, UNICEF Comite Espanol, which has launched the report Children and girls of the digital divide in Spain.
RelatedInternet access has revolutionized the lives of children so much that today the network must also be seen as a tool to boost their rights. In the case of the most vulnerable children, In addition, Internet can play a fundamental role so that they can develop their full potential, better Rare integration and even seek references and help.
However, in Spain these opportunities are still far from being enjoyed by all children in an equitable way. And, according to the report, the variable that has more weight in the use of the Internet Among the children is the level of monthly income, that is, the socioeconomic status of the families.This is the case of the gypsy community, which is the one that has the most difficulties in accessing and using the Information and Communication Technologies and therefore the main victim of this digital divide.
On the other hand, traditionally victimized collective children , such as children of the Roma community, children of migrant origin or LGTBI group are the most vulnerable to online risks such as harassment, abuse, exploitation or trafficking. Interactivity means expanding threats and damages that many children are already facing offline, causing their vulnerability to creep and be exposed to more threats online.> discrimination and hate speech have a very negative impact on these children, as it perpetuates stereotypes and makes integration difficult.
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informed and secure access to technology
To overcome the digital divide and the risks associated with it for children, the report highlights that " only a joint and cooperative action between fathers and mothers, educators, companies and administrations, each from In the future, it can guarantee the rights of children in the future. However, having access to the Internet does not imply having skills and training. It is not only about establishing age limits but also access to informed and safe technologies ".
In this context, add the report, "the school is a crucial instrument for reducing the digital divide and inequalities in access, use and development of digital skills.But that will only be possible if there is political will so that all children have the same conditions of access to technologies and knowledge of skills and abilities, understood not as isolated technical skills but as a integral and transversal training as people in the digital environment «.
Only then, these children can take advantage of the many advantages offered by the Internet for development and learning -access to information through specialized applications and platforms-.It can also help you in building social relationships with other children who have their same concerns.
This is the case of Nora Kaddour , 18, who says that "thanks to the networks I have made friends and I can be in touch with my family, tell them what happens to me or what I need On the internet I can get information to study and it is easier to do the work ".
Images: UNICEF
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