51% of parents back the use of more #EdTech to improve teaching and learning

Nearly half of parents plan to BAN screen time over Christmas

 Nearly half of all UK parents (45 per cent) are planning to ban their children from using computers, televisions, laptops and mobile devices over Christmas, according to a new poll from Young Enterprise, the business education charity.

The survey, conducted by independent polling company Censuswide, quizzed 1,000 parents with children under the age of 16 about their attitudes to technology and its impact on the development of young people in schools.

Despite planning to outlaw screen time at home over the festive period, 51 per cent of parents backed the use of more technology in the classroom to improve standards of teaching and learning. Interestingly, four in 10 mums and dads supported the use of artificial intelligence to improve education experiences. However, 61 per cent said they would not want their child to be taught by a robot in the future.

Additionally, almost half (48 per cent) rejected the idea that all homework should be completed online. Meanwhile, 52 per cent said they felt social media sites like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook were having a negative impact on their child’s wellbeing.

Nearly half of parents (48 per cent) said they felt their child had not received enough support in school around key soft skills such as confidence, team building, presentations and public speaking.

Michael Mercieca, Chief Executive of Young Enterprise comments:

“It’s clear that technology can play a vital role in developing the digital skills of the next generation, however, it’s also apparent that parents expect to see more emphasis on employability skills to deliver a fully rounded education. As well as technological skills, soft skills are incredibly important. The next generation urgently need more access to entrepreneurs, business leaders and more opportunity for work experience so they are fully able to thrive when they enter the world of work.”

Sheila Flavell, Chair, Institute of Coding, comments:

“Whilst it’s natural for families to seek a screen time break during the festive period, the reality is that tech will continue to play a crucial role in the education and development of young people. With digital skills very much in demand from employers, teaching and learning experiences can be greatly enriched through online resources, helping many more people from diverse backgrounds into crucial roles in the UK’s thriving technology industry.”

About Young Enterprise: A national charity, we motivate young people to succeed in the changing world of work by equipping them with the work skills, knowledge and confidence they need. Every year we work with 320,000 young people, and train 3,200 teachers in both enterprise and financial education, with the help of more than 6,700 volunteers and 3,500 businesses.

We believe that the potential of the UK’s young people is unlimited, and an academic education on its own is not enough.  Our mission is to empower young people to discover, develop and celebrate their skills and potential. Through our hands-on employability and financial education programmes and resources and teacher training, we aim to reduce youth unemployment, help young people to realise their potential beyond education and empower a generation to learn, to work and to live.

95% of Young Enterprise Company Programme alumni are in Education, Employment or Training – 7% higher than the national average. Founded in 1962, Young Enterprise is part of global network JA-YE operating in 120 countries.