IGF 2021 Day 0 Event #61 Technological assistance emphasis on teenagers during the pandemic — is it fair to distribute resources in such a way?

There has always been a huge digital gap between the youth and the elderly. This has become more significant during the COVID-19 pandemic when governments emphasize online education materials for students. Some argue that there is a lack of resources and support in terms of device and literacy programs from governments to meet the demand for technological assistance for adults, elderly, and people of disabilities. Meanwhile, some believe that technical assistance to teenagers’ learning should be prioritized. In this session, the current situation of technological support by government and different parties will be introduced. Whether or not support should be equally provided and how to be equally provided will also be discussed. It is hoped that after the session, a clear message on how technological resources should be properly distributed to ease the digital gap among different vulnerable groups can be obtained.

This session focuses on the diverged views on whether teenagers are better than other generations in adapting to new technologies, and our focus is on youth and digital inclusion.

10 minutes of introduction will be conducted by the speaker to show that the COVID-19 pandemic evoked the need of using the Internet for other vulnerable groups, not only children but also the elderly and people of disabilities. Because they are lacking skills in using the Internet, they cannot meet the basic needs such as meeting and communicating with their family members and access to the services using internet without normal support. Also, lots of elderly, as well as the physically and intellectually challenged people reflected that they have a high desire in learning how to use the internet during our organization's voluntary work program called ‘IFocus ambassadors’ but it is paused because of the pandemic with social distancing policies. 

15 minutes of our findings in the policies about digital inclusion in Hong Kong SAR, Singapore and England will be introduced to show there is a lack of insight to provide the same opportunities for developing their digital competencies as they feel the pressing need.

5 minutes break will then be provided and at the same time, we will form breakout rooms to prepare both the on-site and online participants to join the group discussion in a hybrid format.

20 minutes of group discussion will then be conducted via breakout sessions, by opening the floor to all participants to share their thoughts on how to promote digital inclusion by promoting more education opportunities to senior citizens and people with disabilities even in the pandemic situation.

10 minutes of summary and round-up for each group to share their insights on their discussion result to broaden insights for every participant.

Breakout groups are used to engage participants and speakers, both online and onsite, with the help of our online and onsite moderators and from IGF officials.