Digital Skills of Australian Students Dropping Despite Record Screen Time: Report

‘It is concerning to see a drop in ICT literacy amongst Year 10 students, which was more pronounced in certain states,’ said ACARA CEO.

A professional gamer play video games at his home in Sydney, Australia, on Nov. 13, 2020. Andrew Lesson/AFP via Getty Images

New research has shown a connection between Australian students’ poor digital skills and their high engagement rates in online entertainment and social media.

The Australia Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) has released a report detailing the results of the first national assessment of students’ ICT (information and communication technology) literacy following the COVID-19 pandemic.