Jersey's Children's Commissioner: Some children still don't have technology needed for home learning

Deborah McMillan says there is uncertainty over whose responsibility it is and the issue must be addressed. Credit: PA

Jersey's Children's Commissioner says some young people in Jersey still do not have the technology they need for home learning. Deborah McMillan says there is uncertainty over whose responsibility it is and the issue must be addressed.

She also called for the immediate publication of minimum standards for online learning, in the form of written guidance, so that there can be a consistent offer across all schools in the island for when pupils are unable to attend school.

She told ITV News that while the island was not yet at a "last resort" point of closing schools, they should be prepared for that change if necessary.

Her comments are echoed by the children's charity, the NSPCC which has received thousands of calls since the start of lockdown.

Since the beginning of lockdown last May, the charity took nearly 43,000 calls, mostly related to anxiety.

Many of the issues involved being off school for prolonged periods, missing exams and seminal events like the school prom.

The charity also found that many young people didn't want to share their worries with families because of concerns that they would exacerbate already-stressful situations involving work, home schooling and finances.