The Scottish Government has been accused of slow progress on a pledge to equip all pupils with digital devices and free internet connections.
Despite a manifesto pledge to roll out the equipment and services to young people, the government has been unable to confirm the number of devices required, the means by which the roll out will be achieved, or the expected cost of the programme.
Critics said the Scottish National Party’s (SNP) promises to young people are “gimmicks” and demanded “meaningful action” to improve digital access. The government insists that fulfilling its manifesto pledge is a “key commitment”.
Prior to the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections, the SNP promised to “roll out a new programme to deliver into the hands of every school child in Scotland a laptop, Chromebook or tablet to use in school and at home.”
“It will come with a free internet connection and full technical support. It will be updated when necessary, replaced when needed and upgraded as technology improves,” the SNP said.