Digital divide closes further, but poorest families still left behind

The number of school children without an internet connection at home has fallen once more, as the digital divide comes closer to being eradicated.

However, campaigners have warned that we must not become complacent.

In particular, the new figures show that many children from single-parent families and the poorest households are still unable to access the internet at home.

According to the latest Family Spending Survey from the Office of National Statistics, 81 per cent of all households now have a home computer, and 79 per cent are connected to the internet at home.

However, this figure masks a stark divide between rich and poor. Of the richest 10 per cent of homes, 99 per cent have a computer and access to the internet. Meanwhile, of the poorest 10 per cent of households, 49 per cent have a computer and only 45 per cent are online.