Digitization; Social Work; Vulnerable Children; Older People

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of ICT in social work interventions. According to recent research, vulnerable children and older people are the most at risk of digital exclusion among social groups in Czech society. Therefore, the main aim of our research was to investigate how social work intervention affects the active usage of ICT in those two groups and mitigate their digital gap. Empirical research was based on semi-structured interviews and focus groups with social work clients (n=36), social workers (n=15), and volunteers (n=6) who participated in 6 month-long experiment. During the experimental intervention, the clients started to use tablets with a data tariff and received methodical support from social workers and volunteers. Based on our data analysis, we finded that immediate support from social workers, device availability and internet connection have a crucial role in improving the situation of the target groups. Regarding older people, also the availability of the optimal ICT equipment personalised them has vital importance. In summary, results revealed that the presented experimental intervention prevents digital exclusion in the short term and decreases social exclusion in the long term.