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Internet Access (Children Eligible for Free School Meals)
01 November 2022
Lead MP
Siobhain McDonagh
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Education
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Siobhain McDonagh raised concerns about internet access (children eligible for free school meals) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The technological advance in our society has made the internet essential for work, entertainment, shopping, bills, and social connections. However, a digital divide exists where children eligible for free school meals lack access to broadband and devices. During the pandemic, this gap widened significantly with 9% of children without access to devices before lockdowns and up to 1.78 million during lockdowns. This disparity led to educational inequalities as remote learning was not accessible for many disadvantaged students, widening the attainment gap further. The Bill aims to place a duty on the Secretary of State to ensure these children have adequate broadband connections and facilities at home.
Mitcham and Morden
The technological advance in our society has made the internet essential for work, entertainment, shopping, bills, and social connections. However, a digital divide exists where children eligible for free school meals lack access to broadband and devices. During the pandemic, this gap widened significantly with 9% of children without access to devices before lockdowns and up to 1.78 million during lockdowns. This disparity led to educational inequalities as remote learning was not accessible for many disadvantaged students, widening the attainment gap further.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.