Regardless of how it is defined, the digital divide is harmful. In ZERO TO EIGHT: CHILDREN’S MEDIA USE IN AMERICA, Victoria Rideout provides data revealing that this gap in access, knowledge, and skill mostly occurs among lower income families, less educated families, and certain minority groups. Families on the wrong side of the divide often lack social capital. Social capital refers to the collective benefits of cooperation between and among groups of people. Hohlfeld & Ritzhaupt (2010) posit that a lack of social capital negatively influences the development of children. Barron et.al. (2009) present evidence that children's use of a home computer helps their cognitive development and helps them be better prepared for school. A computer in the home correlates positively with higher grades and higher standardized test scores. Unfortunately they also point out that access alone won't close the gap. Children also need role models. They need an "engaged social network of teachers, parents, and peers." (Barron et.al., 2009, p. 188)
Schools can play a role is narrowing the divide. Hohlfeld, Ritzhaupt, & Barron (2010) proposes that schools can "allocate resources by allowing students to take home digital devices, thus providing family members with access to computers and software." (p.392) Their other suggestions include involving parents in the ICT planning process, establish technology access centers with community partners, accept donated computers, allow parents and community members access to information and communication technology in schools, and offer technology training to families and community members. Each of these suggestions builds ICT which translates to positive student outcomes.
Of course many people would suggest that schools are not required to offer solutions to equitable access. They would argue that the digital divide is a reflection of larger societal issues related to poverty. These people might suggest that efforts should be geared toward ending poverty. Fix poverty, they might say, and equitable access is assured.
References
Barron, B., Walter, S. E., Martin, C., & Schatz, C. (2010). Predictors of Creative Computing Participation and Profiles of Experience in Two Silicon Valley Middle Schools. Computers & Education, 54(1), 178-189.
Hohlfeld, T. N., Ritzhaupt, A. D., & Barron, A. E. (2010). Connecting Schools, Community, and Family with ICT: Four-Year Trends Related to School Level and SES of Public Schools in Florida. Computers & Education, 55(1), 391-405.
Rideout, V. (2011) Zero to Eight: A Common Sense Media Research Study 2011 Children’s Media Use in America Common Sense Media Retrieved from https://kennesaw.view.usg.edu/d2l/le/content/456072/viewContent/10046400/View?ou=456072