How the Lack of Internet Access Affects Children

Families who can’t afford private internet access must drive to coffee shops, libraries, and other public places with Wi-Fi to use the internet. At best, this wastes valuable time and fuel; some locations can be noisy and distracting, making it harder for students to concentrate. At worst, venturing into public spaces for prolonged periods of time can leave unvaccinated students vulnerable to the risk of COVID-19 infection.

What Is No Internet Access?

When most middle-class or wealthy Americans think of the words “no internet access,” they often think of a temporary disconnection, dropped signal, or power outage—in short, a minor and passing inconvenience. However, the reality for many families and their children is far more persistent. As of 2020, 3.7 million American households with students lacked regular home internet access. In most cases, the reason was an inability to afford internet-ready devices and broadband services.

The Effects of Lacking Internet Access on Children

In the short term, students without internet access at home face obstacles in doing homework and communicating with teachers and classmates. Depending on the situations of their peers, they may also face social stigma and isolation. In the long term, they may lack adequate tech-related skills that, in an increasingly digital world, are now crucial for college admittance and most successful careers.

Increased Risk for Children of Color

American children of color are at increased risk of technological deprivation. In 2020, half of all Native American and Alaska native students either had no computers or no high-speed internet at home. The same was true for over a third of Black and Latinx children, whereas only one-fifth of White students lacked such access.

Internet Access for Children in Mississippi

Mississippi is currently the poorest state in the US. In addition, a Mississippi State University publication remarks that “The digital divide has two ugly faces: lack of access (including affordability) and refusal to adopt the technology… [At] times, [residents] have access to the technology but choose not to adopt it because they don’t understand the value of it.” Consequently, as of 2016, Mississippi ranked lowest in the nation for access to fixed broadband technology outside of mobile phones.

For its grade school child population, this poses a particularly dire problem. In 2011-2012, only 75% of students graduated from the public school system in four years, and the state unemployment rate for young people who have left school is the highest in the nation.

Lack of Internet Access in Rural Areas

Mississippi rural internet access is still more problematic. Getting internet in rural areas is not only a question of affordability but also one of infrastructure. Because it’s unprofitable for private broadband companies to provide sparsely populated areas with equipment for high-speed internet, service outside metro areas is spotty or nonexistent. Families that can afford it are typically left with unreliable satellite internet as their only option for their homes.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta aims to serve the children in our communities, especially in ways that promote equity in tech education. One of the ways we do this is through our after-school programs which provide internet access, tablets for club members to use, homework help, fitness activities, workforce development, literacy activities, and more.

Each of our clubs provides kids with a safe place to play, learn, exercise, and receive nutritious foods. Find out how you can get involved with our organization by signing your child up for a club or afterschool program, making a donation, or volunteering to help our cause today!

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