Calls for ‘digital vaccination’ of children to combat fake news

The report highlights the urgent need for digital upskilling, noting that over 40% of UK children lack broadband or devices, leading to significant economic and educational consequences.
Elementary school children using digital tablet in classroom, Education.

A recently published report by the University of Sheffield and its research partners proposes implementing a ‘digital vaccination’ for children to combat misinformation and bridge the digital divide. The report sets out recommendations for digital upskilling and innovative approaches to address the digital divide that hampers the opportunities of millions of children in the UK.

The authors warn that there could be severe economic and educational consequences without addressing these issues, highlighting that over 40% of UK children lack access to broadband or a device, and digital skills shortages cost £65 billion annually.

The report calls for adopting the Minimum Digital Living Standards framework to ensure every household has the digital infrastructure. It also stresses the need for improved school digital literacy education, teacher training, and new government guidance to mitigate online risks, including fake news.