Digital Equity: A Key to Children’s Health & Racial Justice

Digital equity is a core social driver of health. Digital equity refers to the condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy and economy. Digital equity is necessary for health, civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning and access to essential services. However, as a result of persistent structural racism, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Pacific Islander, Asian American, and mixed-race (BIPOC) communities have been disproportionately impacted by digital inequities, contributing to worse health outcomes compared to their white peers. The systems crucial to the well-being of our families are increasingly dependent upon digital infrastructure: schools and learning, doctor visits and health care services, skills training, housing and job applications, workforce development resources and more. The three core pillars of digital equity are: reliable, affordable broadband; adequate devices; and digital literacy skills and support. When families have equitable access to the pillars of digital equity, opportunities and services that support good health are unlocked. Thus, it is crucial that we consider opportunities to disrupt oppressive systems, defer to community leadership, and demand bold changes that put the well-being of our children first.