Impact of Digital Skills Among Teens

4-H and Microsoft released a report that captures how much broadband can mean to youth and their communities. The report is based on a survey of more than 1,500 teens, ages 13 to 19, that was conducted in November 2019.

• High-Speed broadband internet access is not equitably distributed
  • 1 in 6 rural teens do not have access to Broadband Internet
  • 22% of rural teens deal with an Internet connection that is sometimes reliable at best
• Lack of access to broadband internet interferes with teens’ confidence
  • They are less confident about graduating, finding a job, and financial success
  • They also feel less confident when comparing themselves to the average American their age
• Teens with broadband are more optimistic about their social mobility for higher education and their careers
  • 82% of teens with broadband feel they have more opportunities to be successful in life than their parents did.
  • Only 59% of teens without Broadband access say their school adequately prepared them with the digital skills they need to succeed compared to 74% of teens with broadband access.
• Teens with broadband access are more likely to reap the benefits of community and get invested in its future
  • They are more likely to feel a sense of belonging or empowerment from their community
  • Teens with access are more likely to be involved in social causes they care about