Eurispes: More training in digital technologies in Italy

Not only technological development: in Italy needs more training programs for young people and adults on digital issues: this is indicated by Eurispes, the institute for political, economic and social studies, based on the current Digitalization scenario in Italy. Based on the analysis of the harvests from multiple sources in recent years, the scenario indicates the issues relating to the digital divide as central and to the abuse of social media. The study, titled 'People's Relationship with the digital. Lights and shadows of a social phenomenon', indicates that in addition 7 million citizens, especially elderly people living in peripheral areas, in internal areas and in low income families income, are still excluded from the network. The report indicates furthermore the risk of "continuous symbiosis" between young people and internet, so much so that it is "fundamental to promote forms of intergenerational digital education". The children who have grown up with smartphones, social media and the internet they find themselves living in a time that seems to continually accelerate, without intermediaries. In Italy, the age of smartphone access continues to decline, with a significant increase in the number of children between 6 and 10 years old who use it daily, according to to Save the Children's 2023 data. The institute therefore notes that it is necessary to analyse "the impact of technologies on the psychological, emotional and social spheres relational" and that "educational paths are needed digital literacy starting from school, which teaches the youngest young people, but also adults, to find their way around the information, to ask questions, to deal with opinions different from those "own" is stated in the analysis. For Eurispes, there is a need of a balanced approach to digitalisation, which puts center the person and promote a critical and conscious use of technologies. "The challenge for Italy," say the researchers, "is transform digital access into a growth opportunity inclusive and sustainable for all."