ABSTRACT
The article examines the problems of digital competence as a phenomenon of modern life, especially aggravated in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital competence as the latest concept, skills necessary for the modern, connected with the scientific and technical implementation of new technologies in education, economy, politics and production. The development of digital literacy concepts relies on both traditional and diverse media. However, the main difficulty in its development is associated with the digital divide, overcoming which depends on many factors. In the educational environment, digital competence should take into account the age-related physiological, mental and psychological characteristics of schoolchildren, and in preparation for professional activity-support for professional digital competence. The work also provides the author's version of the definition of the concept of digital competence. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.