The digital competence gender gap among students in Spanish secondary education
A recent article from Fundació La Caixa discusses the gender digital gap in Spain and how it evolves during the different cycles of secondary education. The study found that women use digital technology more than men, but men perceive themselves as more competent in technoethics, informational, technological, multimedia, and communicative aspects, as well as having a more positive attitude towards technology.
The study surveyed 3,954 Spanish secondary school students during the 2021-2022 academic year, asking about their level of use of digital technology and the need they feel to both connect to the internet and use digital devices. The results strongly suggested that boys use technology more during the second cycle of ESO, corresponding to the fourth course, while girls use it more during Batxillerat, the two final courses. Girls also indicated a higher need for the use of technology than boys.
Regarding competency aspects, girls consider themselves more competent in technoethical aspects, while boys consider themselves more competent in technological and digital communication aspects. These differences were statistically significant in all cycles of secondary education.
It is important to note that these findings are based on self-perception, which may not necessarily reflect actual competencies or attitudes. However, the study highlights the need to address the gender digital gap and promote the development of digital competence in all its dimensions among secondary school students. By doing so, we can minimize existing differences and optimize institutional training and programs aimed at developing digital competence in all students.
