In today’s world, having access to the digital world isn’t just a bonus, it’s as essential as having water or electricity. Whether you use it for shopping, paying bills, homework, applying for jobs, or even just chatting with friends, so much of what we do happens online.
You might have heard the term ‘digital inclusion’ before. It’s making sure that everyone has access to the online world, not just the internet itself, but also the equipment and skills to use it. Without these, people can miss out on opportunities, support, and connection and it can make life harder.
Imagine trying to get by without access to the internet or a device to use it. Think about that for a second! These days, nearly everything happens online.
- Shopping for clothes or food
- Paying bills or managing your bank account
- Requesting services or customer support
- Studying, applying for jobs, or even finding out local news and the weather
All great if you have the access and the know-how to use them.
There are barriers that can stop some people from getting online, like not being able to afford broadband, not having a device, or not knowing how to use it. When people face these barriers, they can be at a big disadvantage because they’re missing out on things that many of us might take for granted.
What things can help?
Luckily, there are lots of things happening that make it easier for people to get connected. Here are a few ways that people can get help to be included in the digital world:
1. Free Public Wi-Fi
In Renfrewshire, free public Wi-Fi is being rolled out, which means that more people can get online without needing expensive data plans. This is especially handy if you’re out and about and need to connect.
2. Libraries and Shared Spaces
Libraries and other community spaces offer free internet access and can give you help if you’re not sure how to use devices. In Renfrewshire, you can head to your local library to get online, ask for support, and use their computers for free. Even if you know what you are doing, it might be useful for a relative to know about this. Check out Renfrewshire Libraries.
3. Social Tariffs for Cheaper Broadband
Broadband can be expensive, but social tariffs are there to help. These are cheaper broadband deals for people on low incomes or certain benefits. It means you don’t have to break the bank just to stay connected. You can find out more about these tariffs on Ofcom’s website. Money Advice Scotland has a useful guide to Social Tariffs.
4. Device Recycling Projects
Don’t have a laptop or phone to get online? There are initiatives that recycle and redistribute old devices to people who need them. Instead of letting tech go to waste, these programmes give devices a second life, helping those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to the digital world. This also helps the environment!
Check out the Good Things Foundation to find out about device recycling and other digital inclusion efforts.
5. DigiRen
In Renfrewshire, there’s a partnership called DigiRen that helps people develop their digital skills, access devices, and get online. The partnership is made of up organisations and services who support various parts of the community, from young people to older people. It helps by sharing ideas and opportunities that can help to make Renfrewshire more digitally inclusive. There are lots of different working groups all looking at different things including device recycling, creating and training up Digital Champions who have the skills to help people and also helping to find ways to direct people to spaces they can get help called DigiZones.
Find out more about DigiRen and the newly launched DigiZones.
6. Free Learning Materials
There are lots of free resources for beginners out there to help them build up their skills at their own pace. Although many of them are online, a person can also go to their local library or DigiZone to find a starting point with them. Learn My Way offers lots of free courses.
If you or someone you know is struggling to get online, start by checking out your local library. They often offer free support and can point you in the right direction for getting devices, broadband deals, and help with digital skills. They are not just for books! And remember, there’s no shame in asking for help—everyone has to start somewhere. If you have skills to share, think about someone you know who might benefit from them and pass them along!
A good place to find out more about digital inclusion in general is Get Digital Scotland.
This article comes from Renfrewshire Council’s Youth Services and we are part of the DigiRen network which is all about looking at ways to make Renfrewshire more digitally inclusive for everyone. Find out about the latest initiative DigiZones. It’s also Youth Work Week! A celebration of how youth work helps to support you with a special focus on how you develop resilience and build essential skills for life (including in the digital world).
We are launching an article every day Monday-Friday during DigiKnowVember and Youth Work Week.