Most people will have some form of barrier to improving their digital skills and confidence. Most of the time, there are things we can do as Digital Champions to help explore these further and offer solutions. Of course, access to an internet-enabled device and home connectivity are huge barriers to being online for many people, but in this guide we’re focusing on motivation to develop digital skills. We’ve collated some of the most common barriers and possible responses:
"I can't do this"
This can be because the person has a lack of self-esteem and confidence, having had negative experiences in the past. You can help here by showing you believe the person can do new things, and that you can help.
"I’ve tried with universal credit and things like that, and I know I can’t do it"
Sometimes people have had really difficult experiences with the internet, just trying to engage with systems that are complicated. This is never really a good place to start. You can help by showing fun things to do.
"I don't trust this digital stuff"
Often people who use drugs have had their trust abused in lots of ways, and they are scared this might happen online too. By helping someone explore important security features, you can help them feel confident and safer. It’s important to listen to what the concerns are, validate them and look at the ways to address those concerns.
"I don’t really deserve this. There’s probably someone else you could help"
Often people who use drugs have been subject to discrimination and have been told they are not ‘worthy’ of different things. This kind of statement is an opportunity to widen the conversation into all sorts of things that will help that person’s wellbeing. Access to the internet is an everyday part of life, and everyone should have the support they need to get online.
“I’m scared I’ll do the wrong thing and break my device”
This is a perfectly normal response for people who’ve never had a device before. Offer reassurance that they won’t break it. We all do things on devices that present problems or may look like it’s broken, but there’s always a way to fix it.
