New survey: One in two Australians see poverty affecting children and families in their community
The Smith Family launches its 2020 Back to School Appeal to help more than 9,000 children in need
More than half (55%) of Australians report seeing children and families affected by poverty in their local area, according to a new survey1 commissioned by children’s education charity The Smith Family.
The survey of more than 1,000 Australians also found that, despite more than two thirds of people (68%) underestimating the level of child poverty in Australia, an overwhelming majority (90%) believe tackling child poverty should be a top priority for the nation.
As families prepare for a new school year, The Smith Family CEO Dr Lisa O’Brien said the impact of poverty on a child’s educational outcomes can be devastating.
“One in six children are living in poverty in Australia today2. Sadly, the poverty these children are experiencing at home can negatively affect their school lives as well.”
Dr O’Brien said she’s also extremely concerned about the impact of the catastrophic bushfires on families the charity already supports.
“Some of our families live in communities which have been ravaged by these fires. All families have come through safe, but there are hundreds directly impacted. The effects of these fires will be felt in many ways by our families. Of particular concern are the longer term economic impacts – business loss, disruption and downturn. These consequences will be widespread and will be felt strongly by families – families already experiencing disadvantage.
“In addition, we are expecting there will be more families pushed into extremely difficult financial situations because of these fires. We will be working closely with schools in all our communities nationally to ensure our education-oriented support is available to new families experiencing high need.
“What we don’t want is for family poverty to affect any child’s educational outcomes. Long after this crisis is over, we will be there for children to mitigate the educational struggles they may face as a result of their family circumstances. And, through this survey, I am heartened to see how, like us, Australians are very concerned about the educational impact of poverty on young people,” said Dr O’Brien.
Educational impacts of poverty are very concerning
In The Smith Family commissioned survey, 90% of respondents say children affected by poverty should be given extra support to help them realise their potential – for example, mentoring, after-school learning assistance, or financial support. Respondents were most concerned about
- children not having the learning materials they need for school, such as books, stationery and not having access to technology (61% said this was ‘very concerning’)
- children falling behind in their school attendance and achievement (61%)
- children feeling excluded or stigmatised by their peers (60%)
Dr O’Brien added that the everyday challenges facing children affected by poverty can have far greater consequences for their experiences at school.
“We know students who feel excluded, or like they don’t fit in, can start to disengage from their learning. These school children are missing out on things that others take for granted - even the basics like pens and exercise books, or not having a school uniform that fits properly, or access to the internet at home to support their studies or do their homework.”
“Together we have to ensure that all children have the best chance to thrive and create positive futures for themselves,” Dr O’Brien said. “We absolutely believe that the way to do this, is to support the education of children in need.”
With so many young Australians still lacking the essentials they need for school, The Smith Family is working with its sponsors and key major partners like Officeworks, to ensure that children experiencing poverty can get what they need to succeed at school.
“Without extra support to overcome these challenges, these students are far less likely to complete school, and this can have a negative impact on their future life outcomes. But there is also plenty of evidence to show that children who are given the right support, at the right time, can get back on track and have successful lives and careers,” said Dr O’Brien.
“Right now, we’re calling on Australians to help us enable this. Nationally we’re aiming to bring 9,000 new sponsors on board to provide extra educational support to children experiencing poverty so they can thrive.”
Sponsors needed to support children’s education
Children in need of this support can be referred to The Smith Family’s Learning for Life sponsorship program via 694 partner schools that the charity works with nationally. Children can be sponsored from their first year of primary school right through to completing tertiary study.
Dr O’Brien said: “Our goal is to help these children break the poverty cycle for good. That’s why we support their education – so that they can attend school, complete Year 12 or its equivalent, and go on to further study or a job. Currently, 50,000 children and young people are supported through this evidence-based program, but the need is so much greater. That’s why we are asking for the support of the public to sponsor a child in need.”
How sponsorship works
Sponsorship starts from $52 per month for a child in primary school – or $1.70 per day. Children sponsored through The Smith Family are helped in three ways: financial assistance for education essentials, including uniforms, shoes, books and school supplies; tailored personal support for the duration of a child’s educational journey; and access to extra out-of-school learning and mentoring programs.
To sponsor an Australian child in need and support their education, visit thesmithfamily.com.au/sponsor
Soundbites from CEO Dr Lisa O'Brien available for download here
Media enquiries: media@thesmithfamily.com.au
1Fortnightly omnibus conducted by Essential Research with data provided by Qualtrics. The survey was conducted online from 21-24 November
2019 and is based on 1,083 respondents answering questions on child poverty and its educational impacts.
2Poverty in Australia, 2018, ACOSS/UNSW Report.