U.K.: Elderly and poor in digital worry, shows survey

. LONDON, England / The Press Association / November 17, 2008 Millions of people - mostly the elderly or the poor - continue to find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide, a survey revealed. While 70% of 17 to 19 year olds have access to the internet, only 15% of those aged 75 and above are able to take advantage, according the survey on media literacy. And although 82% of those in the highest social class are on the web, only 33% of those in the lowest category are connected. The survey also found older and poorer adults are less likely to have access to mobile phones, CD players and DVD players, although the difference is less pronounced. Overall, 42% of UK adults do not have access to the net and 36% do not have access to a computer. Robin Blake, head of media literacy at Ofcom, said: "People without the skills to use new communications technologies run the risk of being excluded socially, politically and financially. We all need to help people develop their media literacy to build confidence to benefit from the many opportunities available." The survey found internet access for the over-55s increased by 6% from last year to 40%, compared with 69% for the under-55s. Men fare better than women, with 61% able to surf the web compared with 56%. The findings were published by NIACE (National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) in its Annual Media Literacy Survey. Rachel Thomson, of NIACE, said: "What we see and hear from the media shapes our sense of reality and our understanding of the world around us. Yet significant numbers of adults remain on the wrong side of the digital divide. "Television continues to play an important role in our leisure time. Too often, however, assumptions are made about people's ability to participate in the virtual world. Considerable effort is needed to ensure that those who are already marginalised do not become yet further disadvantaged." The survey questioned 4,932 UK adults aged 17 and over. Copyright © 2008 The Press Association.