Ep 39: The Harsh Truth About Digital Access: Why Thousands of Students Are Locked Out of the AI Era

Australia is racing ahead with AI, but not everyone is getting a fair start. In this episode of The AI Grapple Podcast, Kate vanderVoort sits down with Doug Taylor to unpack the reality facing young people who are being pushed further to the edges of opportunity because they can’t get online.

Doug leads The Smith Family, one of Australia’s most trusted charities supporting students from low-income backgrounds. He brings a clear view of what digital access really looks like on the ground, why the divide is widening, and how AI could strengthen or break the pathways young Australians rely on.

Across this conversation, Kate and Doug explore the true cost of digital exclusion, the pressure on families, and the tough choices schools, parents and organisations are facing as AI sweeps through education, work and daily life. Doug also opens up about the leadership approach needed to guide teams through rapid change while protecting the people who rely on them most.

What We Cover in This Episode

• How digital exclusion is affecting young Australians right now
• Why AI literacy is becoming essential for future jobs
• The impact on students who lack a device or stable internet at home
• What The Smith Family is doing to close the gap, including AI-enabled tutoring
• How frontline workers are using digital assistants to support families
• The privacy, safety and bias risks organisations need to plan for
• Why trust, empathy and human judgement still matter in AI-enabled work
• Doug’s hopes for a future where AI helps reduce inequality rather than deepen it

Why This Conversation Matters

Digital access is no longer optional. It shapes education, work and connection, and its absence cuts young people off from the very tools they need to build their future. As marketers, business leaders and technologists move quickly to adopt AI, Doug’s message is a vital reminder: progress only counts if it includes everyone.

This episode gives you a grounded look at the real issues behind AI adoption and a strong sense of the responsibility we share in ensuring technology lifts people up rather than locking them out.

About Doug Taylor

Doug Taylor is the CEO of The Smith Family, a 103-year-old organisation working to break the cycle of educational inequality in Australia. He brings decades of experience in the not-for-profit sector and is a national voice on digital access, education and community wellbeing.

Links and Resources

• Support The Smith Family’s Christmas Appeal: thesmithfamily.com.au
• Connect with Doug on LinkedIn
• Follow Kate on LinkedIn for updates and AI training
• Join the free AI Success Lab for more AI updates and skills

Listen and Subscribe

If you enjoy the episode, share it with someone working in education, technology or community impact. Your support helps more people join the conversation about building an AI-enabled future that works for everyone.