Families in Western Australia are grappling with the increasing costs of education, particularly as the demand for digital devices grows. Many students, like those in the care of John Paulson, a grandfather from Perth, face significant challenges in accessing the necessary technology for their learning. Paulson, who is the sole carer for five grandchildren aged between eight and 15, has found it difficult to provide for their educational needs solely on his pension, particularly as schools require students to have laptops or tablets.
Paulson’s situation highlights a broader issue affecting many families across the region. According to national charity The Smith Family, approximately 44 percent of the students enrolled in their Learning for Life program lack access to a connected device at home. Since 2019, the organization has distributed laptops to 1,703 families in Western Australia, yet the need remains urgent.
In a recent survey conducted in January 2023, Doug Taylor, chief executive of The Smith Family, stated that 55 percent of families reported concerns about affording digital devices for their children. While some schools provide laptops during school hours, many students are unable to take these devices home, forcing them to share a single device among multiple siblings or, in some cases, rely on mobile phones for schoolwork.
Taylor pointed out that this digital divide hampers students’ abilities to engage fully with their education. He noted, “We frequently hear from families who either don’t have a laptop at all, or have multiple children sharing one device.”
The reliance on mobile phones can complicate students’ access to necessary software and programs. Some families resort to sitting in their cars outside fast food outlets or shopping centers to catch free Wi-Fi, illustrating the lengths to which they must go to support their children’s education.
Fortunately, initiatives like the National Device Bank have made significant impacts. A recent survey revealed that 93 percent of families who received assistance reported improvements in their children’s schooling. Paulson’s family is among those who benefited, receiving two laptops through this program. They also gained internet access via a scheme run by Optus, allowing customers to donate leftover data. Paulson shared, “The grandkids love them. We have to schedule times for everyone to use them so that the youngest gets them first and the eldest last as they stay up later.”
The availability of devices has transformed the educational experiences of Paulson’s grandchildren. They are now completing their homework and engaging with their studies, a stark contrast to their previous disinterest in school.
The challenge of digital poverty extends beyond just having a device. Caroline McDaid, chief executive of WorkVentures, emphasized the growing significance of technology in education, especially since the pandemic made computers essential for learning. She noted, “In the last three years, there has been an increase in the use of technology in primary school classrooms, and there is an expectation that there is access to that technology at home.”
Despite the increasing recognition of the digital divide, many companies continue to dispose of large quantities of used technology. McDaid highlighted that every five years, around 10 million laptops are refreshed across Australia, urging more companies to donate these devices to organizations like the National Device Bank.
Taylor added that schools are becoming more aware of the issue of digital poverty and are encouraged to understand each family’s unique circumstances. “This kind of awareness and responsiveness can make a real difference in helping students stay engaged and succeed,” he said.
As the cost of living continues to rise, the need for support in accessing educational technology remains a pressing concern. Initiatives that bridge the digital divide are essential for ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive in their education and prepare for their futures.
