In a world where technology is part of everyday life, it may come as a surprise that many young people today struggle with basic computer skills. Despite their comfort with social media and smartphones, simple tasks like copy-pasting, sending an email, or opening a document are often challenging. Teachers are increasingly voicing their concerns, wondering why this generation, raised on screens, lacks essential computer knowledge.
The Reality Behind the Skills Gap
Anne Cordier, an information science researcher who works with students from elementary through high school, sees this firsthand. According to Cordier, most students haven’t acquired even the most basic computer skills. “It’s astonishing how many teenagers struggle to open a Word document,” she notes, echoing the frustration of Cécile Cathelin, a teacher and digital literacy trainer who has noticed the same issues.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, this skills gap became glaringly apparent. Distance learning demanded computer literacy, but many students weren’t prepared. Yasmine Buono, an expert in digital education, points out that social media and gaming don’t translate to broader tech literacy. “Young people know how to navigate their phones, but it’s a different story with essential computer skills,” she says.
The Smartphone Effect
Smartphones play a significant role in shaping young people’s relationship with technology. Given to kids early on, phones provide a handy tool for entertainment, socializing, and browsing—but they don’t foster practical computer skills. Cordier notes that many students use their phones exclusively for tech activities, which leaves them at a disadvantage when it comes to computers.
Interestingly, this lack of skills isn’t confined to less affluent backgrounds. Even students in private schools, where you might expect higher tech exposure, face the same difficulties. Cathelin observes that even in wealthier families, parents rarely pass down their own computer knowledge. “The smartphone has changed the game,” she adds. “It’s convenient, but it limits exposure to the basics of computing.”
Communication Skills in the Digital Age
Beyond technical tasks, there’s another area of concern: communication. Buono highlights that students accustomed to casual chats on social media often struggle with formal emails or polite language. “It’s not just about knowing how to type,” Buono explains. “It’s about understanding when to use formal communication, like for school or work.”
In response, Buono recommends schools teach proper online etiquette and email formatting as part of digital literacy. This approach could bridge the gap between informal online habits and professional communication skills, which students will need as they enter higher education and the workforce.
Solutions on the Table
Educators are offering different ideas for tackling these issues. Cathelin suggests bringing digital professionals into schools to teach core computer skills, an initiative she’s advancing through her platform, Educatee. Cordier advocates for reintroducing basic computing classes in the curriculum, with accessible equipment to support every student.
Without foundational computer skills, young people could face barriers as they enter adulthood, where many tasks—from job applications to school assignments—require a computer rather than a smartphone. It’s a call to action for educators, parents, and policymakers to ensure that the next generation is equipped with the tech knowledge they’ll need in a digital world.