An evidence-based plan for
upskilling our children and young
people for digital futures

Bradford Birth to 19 has been pleased to support the seventh report in the year-long series on how to deliver a country that works for all children. As part of the Child of the North initiative, in partnership with Anne Longfield’s new Centre for Young Lives think tank, the report discusses the digital upskilling of children and young people. Our Director, Christian Bunting, acted as a contributing expert to the Report. 

The impact of digital technology and the internet on children’s lives is already profound. As this report sets out, that impact is only likely to increase with the rapid development of AI. The world economy will come to rely on and reward workforces who have the digital skills needed to adapt to change and to innovate. Future technologies and jobs need skills and experiences sharpened during childhood at school and at home.

If we have a substantial number of young people shut out of the digital world, we can’t hope to achieve the new Government’s aim of becoming a world-beating economy with a well-trained and well-educated workforce. The time has come to ensure digital technologies are used for good and to explore how these technologies can support the wellbeing of all children and young people throughout the UK.

Child of the North- Report on Digital Futures for Children:

The report outlines the crucial work of the DFC and its strive to close the digital divide and empower children to explore digital content critically and responsibly, authors of the report stress the value of this foundation that the government ‘could and should’ build upon. The DFC was a three-year initiative dedicated to reimagining the digital environment through the lens of children's rights. It sought to ensure that the constantly evolving digital world prioritises and safeguards the wellbeing, rights, and development of children. 

The report provides three main policy recommendations to lessen the digital divide:

1. A National Minimum Digital Living Standards framework- Including basic digital infrastructure such as broadband, a functioning computer or laptop and essential digital skills training. As well as the implementation of nationwide subsidies or vouchers to assist low-income families in obtaining and maintaining broadband services and digital devices. 

2. Digital training packages for in-service teachers and other educational organisations and networks to be updated and co-designed by multi academy trusts, local education authorities, and industry experts. Schools need to be provided with the necessary resources and time allocations to support teachers and other staff as having a highly trained workforce who utilise digital tools alongside their teaching will enhance educational outcomes. 

3. An open-access, subscription-free Digital Creativity Skills Commons could provide a range of evidence-informed resources, training materials, funding guidance, and a list of relevant agencies and charities. The Digital Creativity Skills Commons would encourage partnerships between industry, educational institutions, and cultural organisations, meaning education outcomes and experience are a collaborative effort. 

Overall, the report issues an extensive and informed proposal for a country that works for all children and young people. 

Flip to read the full report

About Bradford Birth to 19
Bradford Birth to 19 is the training, research and development arm of leading education provider St. Edmund’s Nursery School and Children’s Centre. For over a decade, we have worked in partnership to improve outcomes and increase social mobility for children through school & setting improvement, training and qualifications, guidance, and cutting-edge educational initiatives, working with over 500 schools and settings, training over 2,500 educators, partnering with over 20 local authorities, and delivering over 10,000 training sessions.