“They Can’t Even Copy and Paste”: Teachers Frustrated with Younger Generation’s Computer Skills

In a world where technology is ingrained in nearly every aspect of life, it’s shocking to realize that many young people are struggling with even the most basic computer tasks. From sending an email to performing a simple copy-paste operation, these gaps in digital literacy are causing concern among educators. The question that’s being raised is: How did we get here? And why are young people, despite their constant interaction with screens, so ill-prepared for the digital tasks that most adults take for granted?

Young People Struggling with Basic Computer Tasks

We often hear about how today’s generation is “digital natives,” growing up surrounded by smartphones, social media, and instant messaging. But when it comes to actual computing skills—things like creating a Word document, navigating a desktop, or even sending a professional email—many students are found wanting. Anne Cordier, a researcher in information and communication sciences, highlights this gap after working closely with students from elementary through high school. She points out that many of these young learners simply don’t have the foundational computer skills that were once considered basic. For example, tasks that seem straightforward to most adults, like copy-pasting text or opening a document, are often a struggle.

Cécile Cathelin, a literature teacher and digital literacy trainer, shares a similar frustration, observing that even high school students, who should be well-versed in these tasks by now, often have trouble navigating basic computer functions. The shift from traditional learning tools to digital ones, although well-intentioned, has left many students behind in terms of fundamental digital competence.

The Disconnect: Social Media and Gaming Aren’t Enough

One of the key misunderstandings, according to experts like Yasmine Buono, a specialist in digital education, is the belief that being proficient in social media or video games translates into overall digital literacy. Yes, many young people are tech-savvy when it comes to platforms like Instagram or TikTok, but these activities are primarily recreational. They don’t provide the tools and skills needed for more formal, professional, or academic uses of technology. For example, writing a formal email or formatting a report in Word requires a different set of skills than posting a status update on Facebook or sharing a meme on Snapchat.

This recreational use of technology is further complicated by the fact that many young people simply don’t have access to traditional computers for their academic needs. The widespread use of smartphones in lieu of computers, especially in lower-income households, is creating a digital divide. Anne Cordier notes that smartphones, while excellent tools for entertainment and communication, don’t foster the development of more advanced computer skills. In fact, they may be holding students back from gaining the practical experience they need to thrive in a digital world.

Smartphones vs. Computers: The Impact of Mobile-First Culture

It’s clear that smartphones are playing a central role in this trend. In Sweden, for example, an alarming number of children are receiving smartphones at an increasingly young age. In 2018, one in five children between the ages of 5 and 8 in Sweden owned their own phone. This is not unique to Sweden—across Europe, smartphones are often seen as essential for children, both as a tool for entertainment and, increasingly, for schoolwork. However, this shift has come at a cost.

While smartphones are undeniably convenient, they don’t provide the same learning environment as a desktop or laptop. Tasks like word processing, navigating file systems, or using software for school projects are far more difficult on a phone. Moreover, as Yasmine Buono points out, students are less likely to develop the necessary communication skills to write formal emails or navigate professional settings if they only interact with their peers through quick chats on platforms like WhatsApp or Instagram.

The Need for Digital Literacy Education

Given these challenges, it’s clear that schools need to step in and prioritize digital literacy education. But unfortunately, this seems to be slipping through the cracks. Many educators, including Cécile Cathelin, believe that we need to integrate proper computer education back into school curricula. Cathelin runs a platform called Educatee, which advocates for the inclusion of digital professionals in classrooms to help students develop practical computer skills.

Anne Cordier also argues for a return to teaching the basics of computing, stressing the importance of making this part of the regular classroom routine. Acknowledging that many schools may not have adequate resources, she calls for better equipment and resources for all students. The goal isn’t just to teach how to use a computer but to ensure students are comfortable with it, enabling them to excel in both academic and professional settings.

Looking Ahead: A Tech-Savvy Generation at a Disadvantage?

It’s ironic: We live in a world where digital technology is at our fingertips, and yet the younger generation is struggling to use it effectively in ways that could empower their futures. As students continue to rely on their smartphones for everything from entertainment to schoolwork, they risk losing out on the essential computer skills they’ll need to succeed in adulthood.

These skills—things like word processing, creating presentations, or even navigating email—are not just academic necessities. In many fields, they are requirements for getting a job or pursuing further education. And yet, as technology evolves, it’s becoming clear that students who once seemed to have a head start in the digital world may be at a serious disadvantage when it comes to more traditional computing tasks.

It’s time for educators, parents, and policymakers to come together and recognize the importance of ensuring that the younger generation is not just consuming technology but mastering it—so they are prepared for the future, no matter what form it takes.