A1823
Title: Measuring digital poverty among young people: An application at regional level in Italy
Authors: Caterina Giusti - Dipartimento di Economia e Management, Universita di Pisa (Italy) [presenting]
Monica Pratesi - University of Pisa (Italy)
Antonella D Agostino - University of Siena (Italy)
Tommaso Budini - University of Florence (Italy)
Abstract: Evaluating Digital Poverty among young people is crucial to understand whether new generations have Access to the resources required to exercise their rights and to prevent marginalization within an increasingly digitized society. Analyses conducted at the local level provide the detailed evidence necessary for developing effective policy actions aiming at decreasing Digital Poverty. An analytical Framework is proposed to measure Digital Poverty across Italian regions, focusing on individuals aged 6 to 19 and adopting a data-driven approach based on survey micro-data. Drawing on the Digital Poverty Alliance model, Digital Poverty is framed as a multidimensional condition that includes several interconnected aspects. Specifically, the Framework outlines five key dimensions: Devices \& Connectivity, Access, Skills, Motivation, and Support. Additionally, the European Digital Competence Framework for Citizens serves as a complementary benchmark for the Skills dimension. Within this study, three dimensions are operationalized. Devices \& Connectivity concerns the availability of Digital tools and internet connections. Access refers to the extent to which individuals can reliably and directly use such resources in their daily lives. Skills capture competencies in using Digital technologies for diverse purposes.
