BT launches Skills for Tomorrow to help adults navigate the digital world

BT has launched Skills for Tomorrow, a programme designed to give adults the skills they need to navigate the digital world and keep uyp with their kids. It’s an online platform offering free resources and online courses covering all areas of life, including parent-specific information to give parents knowledge and confidence online to empower them in supporting their children’s digital lives.

In launching the initaitive, BT has released the results of a survey it commissioned, carried out by One Poll.com among 2,000 respondents, including 1,000 parents and 1,000 children aged 6-14 between 15 and 21 January.

Over half (56 per cent) of the parents surveyed said they would rather discuss sex education than technology with their kids, and 57 per cent said they ask their kids to help them when it comes to advice on new apps and technology. 35 per cent of parents said they are not familiar with the platforms and apps their children frequently use.

Meanwhile, 52 per cent of the children surveyed said they believed they know more than their parents about the internet and social media, with over a quarter of parents not knowing what the TikTok is. 20 per cent of the children surveys said they did not believe their parents could help them with a technology-based question in the home

“New technology is constantly changing family life, so we want to help parents feel more confident about helping their children to navigate the online world,” said Professor Kerensa Jennings, digital impact director at BT. “From protecting children’s privacy to managing screen time, at BT we know how important it is for parents to have these important conversations with their kids from an early age. Our Skills for Tomorrow programme is here to help families build confidence and understanding, so that they can support their children to have a happy, healthy and safe time online.”

Carolyn Bunting, CEO of Internet Matters, said: “Conversations about your childs online world dont have to be tricky or uncomfortable. Speaking to your child from a young age allows you to create an environment where children share their digital experiences, so it’s important parents have the confidence to support their children and navigate any issues they may face.

“With BTs Skills for Tomorrow, parents now have a fantastic place where they can learn how to help their children safely master the digital world and encourage them to make the most of the opportunities the online world has to offer.”