Surfers shine at studies and salaries

Government must do more to reach the un e-enabled, finds report

According to a new report, called Economic benefits of digital inclusion, people with computer and internet access are likely to both do better at school, and earn more in the future.

The report, which was commissioned by UK online centres, a digital inclusion body supported by Learn Direct, found that said users were likely to earn between three and ten per cent more in salary than their less-technically advantaged counterparts and would earn better grades in academic qualifications such as the GCSE awards.

UK online centres urged the government to ensure that no part of the UK population was deprived of the opportunities offered by the internet, also offering it evidence of money it could save itself through the use of online mediated interaction, for example.

The report was launched as part of the National Digital Inclusion Conference, which is subtitled Reaching the Final Third.