Digital Skills Gap: 74% Confident on TikTok, But Only 36% Can Use Excel

A major new report from AQA, the UK's largest exam board, reveals a striking disconnect. Among young people aged 11–18, 74% are confident using TikTok, but only 36% can use Excel. Confidence in Word is 52%, PowerPoint 38%, and Snapchat 61%.

A third of young people admit sharing personal information with strangers online. Many lack skills in recognising misinformation, understanding bias, or navigating algorithm-driven content.

AQA CEO Colin Hughes said: "Too many people assume students are 'digitally native' but the evidence shows large variations between their digital judgement and critical skills. Without this, we risk leaving young people unprepared for the demands of modern life and work."

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