The quality of families’ Internet connections, and the kinds and capabilities of devices they can access, have considerable consequences for parents and children alike,” the report states. “When Internet access is intermittent — either because families have trouble paying monthly service charges or are using the Internet only in community locations — they face constraints on what they can access online, compared with those who have consistent access.”The report also suggests that the devices families own and feel comfortable using also matter. Things like submitting a job application or completing a homework assignment online can be considerably more difficult on a smartphone than on a desktop or laptop computer.The report concludes that substantial digital inequalities still exist in the U.S. and the primary obstacle to greater equity is financial. “Constraints on connectivity,” the authors say, “are likely to have lifelong individual and societal consequences.”
Source: Smart Cities Council | Survey spotlights families often left behind as technology advances
