Data Analysis and Insights
Increase in Computer Access with Age
Computer access among U.S. teenagers rises significantly with age, from
86% in the
13-14 age bracket to
92% in the
15-17 age bracket. This
6% increase underscores the growing independence and academic needs that come with advancing towards late adolescence.
High Overall Access
Overall, the data indicates that a very high percentage of U.S. teenagers have access to a computer. Specifically,
89% (
average of the two age groups) of teenagers between the ages of
13 and
17 have computer access, highlighting the widespread availability of digital tools for educational and personal use among this demographic.
Digital Divide by Age
The
6% difference in computer access between the
13-14 and
15-17 age groups may reflect a
digital divide that could impact younger teenagers’ ability to engage with digital learning resources, online homework, and social networking, which are increasingly important for both academic and social development.
Implications for Education Policy
With
92% of older teenagers (
15-17) having access to computers, there is an implication for education policy to focus on the
8% who lack access. This gap represents a critical area for intervention to ensure equitable access to digital education resources and tools, crucial for academic success and future opportunities.