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A socioeconomic related 'digital divide' exists in how, not if, young people use computers

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  • Courtenay Harris
  • Leon Straker
  • Clare Pollock

Abstract

Government initiatives have tried to ensure uniform computer access for young people; however a divide related to socioeconomic status (SES) may still exist in the nature of information technology (IT) use. This study aimed to investigate this relationship in 1,351 Western Australian children between 6 and 17 years of age. All participants had computer access at school and 98.9% at home. Neighbourhood SES was related to computer use, IT activities, playing musical instruments, and participating in vigorous physical activity. Participants from higher SES neighbourhoods were more exposed to school computers, reading, playing musical instruments, and vigorous physical activity. Participants from lower SES neighbourhoods were more exposed to TV, electronic games, mobile phones, and non-academic computer activities at home. These patterns may impact future economic, academic, and health outcomes. Better insight into neighbourhood SES influences will assist in understanding and managing the impact of computer use on young people’s health and development.

Suggested Citation

  • Courtenay Harris & Leon Straker & Clare Pollock, 2017. "A socioeconomic related 'digital divide' exists in how, not if, young people use computers," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(3), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0175011
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175011
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kwok-Kee Wei & Hock-Hai Teo & Hock Chuan Chan & Bernard C. Y. Tan, 2011. "Conceptualizing and Testing a Social Cognitive Model of the Digital Divide," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 22(1), pages 170-187, March.
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    2. Shihui Feng & Cheng Yong Tan, 2024. "Toward conceptual clarity for digital cultural and social capital in student learning: Insights from a systematic literature review," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-15, December.
    3. Sara Ayllón & Halla Holmarsdottir & Samuel Lado, 2023. "Digitally Deprived Children in Europe," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 16(3), pages 1315-1339, June.
    4. Wei Chen & Jia Miao, 2023. "Does the Internet Moderate the Neighborhood Effect? Internet Use, Neighborhoods, and Mental Health among Older Adults in Shanghai," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-14, January.
    5. Polakshi Bhattacharyya Baruah & Anupam Dutta, 2020. "Factors Affecting the Adaptability of Digitalized mode of Payment among the Small Traders: A Logit Model Analysis," The Review of Finance and Banking, Academia de Studii Economice din Bucuresti, Romania / Facultatea de Finante, Asigurari, Banci si Burse de Valori / Catedra de Finante, vol. 12(2), pages 103-114, December.

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