‘Lack of digital literacy is hampering women’s return to work’

One in five mothers say a lack of digital literacy has limited their ability to return to the workforce or join the workforce for the first time, according to new research by #techmums.

The survey, supported by financial services firm Capital One UK, also found that one in five mums say they lack the digital skills to protect their children from online bullying and almost a quarter think limited tech skills negatively affects their mental health.

The survey shows there is a strong belief that better digital skills would have a positive impact on the lives of mothers and their families:

• • half (48%) of parents believe more digital knowledge would help them keep their children safe online.
  • over a third of parents (34%) say improved digital skills would improve their mental health, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  • more than one in four (45%) mums say if their digital literacy skills were improved they could better support their children with their homework.
  • 38% said better digital capability would improve their confidence, with 31% saying it would help them return to the
    workforce and 32% to join the workforce for the first time.

Digital illiteracy is reported to affect 1 12.6million people across the UK, meaning they lack basic digital skills such as knowing how to use a search engine, set up an online account or use social media. #techmums runs initiatives designed to support mothers to become more familiar, confident and excited about the use of technology in their personal, professional and parenting lives.

Professor Sue Black OBE said: “I founded #techmums in response to the challenges mums were having in becoming confident with technology. As a mum whose life was radically changed and improved by technology, I know how important it is for us to show mums what opportunities lie out there for them, and by extension, their kids and wider families, as technology continues to rapidly change. This research highlights that, seven years on from my initial #techmums program, there is still a long way for us to go and if we want to truly address the digital skills gap, one of the most effective ways we can do that is by equipping mums with digital literacy. We need to see more awareness raising and investment in this area.”

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