As we start to see an unfortunate resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic across Europe it is worth reminding ourselves that the pandemic has been the largest disruptor of education in history, exposing widening inequalities.

When schools shut down around the world, many switched to remote instruction. Yet, one-third of students - at least 463 million globally, according to a new UNICEF report - were unable to access it. In many areas UNICEF and other organisations got to work, keeping children learning through TV, radio and other innovative delivery methods. The flexibility and interactivity of online instruction makes it the more popular alternative to in-person classes, but it requires internet access. And far too many students lack that connectivity.

Even before the appearance of COVID-19, UNICEF recognised the need to address digital exclusion among vulnerable children and youth. "Half of humanity still does not have access to the internet. Billions of people are missing out on the wealth of knowledge and information that -increasingly - can only be found online," noted UNICEF Executive Director, Henrietta Fore.

This is not just a developing world issue but all too apparent in the developed world as well. We need to ensure that this issue doesn’t become stigmatized and that we bring everyone together. Studies have shown that if 20% of a class lacks access to the internet then this will also have a negative impact on the other 80% of the class as the whole class goes much slower, something worth thinking about.

theunconnected.org is working with a number of organisations to rectify this problem with some very clever solutions.

We need to ensure we not only provide access to children to enable them to maximise their education but do so in the safest and most economically productive manner, this is often overlooked. "Digital technologies can dramatically improve the lives of people and communities and deliver on the promise of the United Nations Agenda 2030 to leave no one behind," says Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau. "Multi-stakeholder collaboration and partnership will be key to connecting the 3.6 billion people still off-line. We all have to work together and increase our efforts to bring technology to the people, in every area and every walk of life."

It’s difficult to prioritise in a pandemic but children must be at the top of the list for immediate attention otherwise it will be too late!