New data highlights a generational divide, with children’s laptop knowledge outstripping their parents
1 in 3 parents admit they would benefit from going back to the classroom for tech lessons, meanwhile, just 12% of children think their parents know more than they do when it comes to technology
Data also finds that 1 in 10 parents feel ’embarrassed’ by their lack of tech know-how
A new survey has found that parents in the UK are struggling to keep up with their children’s growing digital know-how, with 30% admitting they’d benefit from heading back to school themselves to brush up on their skills.
The research, commissioned by laptops specialist AO.com, revealed almost half (43%) of Brits think their children or grandchildren already know more about technology than they do.
And when it comes to speed, 29% admit that their children are faster and more efficient with technology than they are.
The findings highlighted a clear digital divide across generations, with parents increasingly leaning on their kids to navigate laptops, apps and online platforms.
When asked to describe their level of tech knowledge, 1 in 2 (53%) of adults believe their tech skills are less than competent, average, below average or ‘in need of serious help’.
And one in ten adults went as far as saying they feel ’embarrassed’ by their lack of tech skills.
On the flip side, 72% of children described themselves as being ‘expert’ or ‘competent’ with their laptop skills, and only 12% think their parents are better at using tech than they are.
Stephanie Foat, Computing expert at AO.com, said: “Parents shouldn’t feel embarrassed or defeated when it comes to technology – it’s moving so quickly and it’s impossible to know everything.
“At this time of the year, when children are going back to school and other young people have college and university to think about, we see a huge increase in demand for new tech such as laptops, iPads and other items. But inevitably, that brings some challenges as people get to grips with new devices and integrate them into their daily lives.
“It can be reassuring to remember that lots of families are in the same boat during September, so parents should instead see this as a chance to learn alongside their children. Picking up new skills together can be a brilliant way to make that transition easier, whether it’s mastering laptops, navigating apps, or simply finding quicker ways of doing everyday tasks.”
