Globally, only 51% of families with children have access to the internet. This poses a major challenge to online learning efforts. Inequality will be further perpetuated if those who can afford and access internet technology and infrastructure are able to obtain the United Nations designated right to a free education.

In the United States, 40% of homes have school-aged children, and in more than 90% of these households, at least 1 parent is employed outside the home. School closure amplifies economic disparity by forcing parents to deal with child care, which can be costly or time-consuming. Students of Title 1 schools may face more socioeconomic disparity if they do not receive services during quarantine. These trends also exist beyond the US, if anything amplified in developing economies.