Digital isolation: almost a quarter of people living alone have no Internet at home

In this coronavirus crisis, communication is mainly digital. However, a significant part of the population does not yet have an Internet connection, via any device. In total, 22 % of people living alone in Belgium have no Internet at home, according to the figures of Statbel, the Belgian statistical office. These are mainly slightly older people: among people aged 65-74, the figure is even 31 %. Also 2 % of children attending school do not have access to the Internet at home, and are therefore unable to take online lessons at home.

Income and family situation play a major role

People living alone declare twice as often as average that they have no Internet connection at home. At regional level, the high percentage in Wallonia is particularly striking: 27 % of people living alone have no Internet at home. The percentage amounts to 19 % in Flanders and Brussels.

One family out of five (20 %) has a monthly net income lower than €1,500. Among them, 27 % indicate that they have no Internet connection at home. The percentage is 31 % in Wallonia. This is five times as much as families with an income higher than €1,500.

Age, level of education and socio-economic situation are also determining factors

Naturally, age also plays a role. 31 % of older people (age group 65-74) do not browse the digital world.

Low-skilled people are also much less active in the digital world. More than 20 % rarely or never use the Internet. This figure amounts to 20 % in Flanders and 26 % in Wallonia.

Finally, the socio-economic situation of a person has an impact on the surfing behaviour. Unemployed and inactive people are less likely to be found on the Internet.

Not all children attending school have access to the Internet

Taking online lessons at the time of the coronavirus does not seem possible for all pupils, or at least not at home. 2 % do not have the Internet. This figure amounts to 6 % in Brussels.