New survey finds rising living costs adding to educational challengers for children

A national survey of almost 2,000 parents and carers whose children are supported by The Smith Family has revealed the extent of the fallout from cost-of-living increases on children’s education, with many families finding it harder to afford school essentials and rising costs adding to the significant educational challenges already faced by children experiencing disadvantage.

Among the key findings:

• Nearly two-thirds of parents and carers (62%) have found it harder to afford all the things their children need for school this year compared to last year, with more than half of respondents (52.1%) saying this was due to increases in everyday expenses such as groceries, rent and petrol. Nearly a third (32%) are finding their children need more things, or more expensive things, for school, while just under a third (29.9%) have found the cost of school items has increased.
• More than one-third of respondents (38.1%) said that school has been hard or very hard for their children this year, with the most cited reasons related to issues at school, such as struggling academically, motivation for school and social challenges (e.g. fitting in at school, bullying). The disruption caused by COVID, disability and medical issues, and financial pressures were also frequently cited.

One caregiver surveyed said, “Rising living costs made it difficult to provide for basic needs such as food, petrol to do pick-ups, school excursions.”

Another respondent said, “Starting high school is hard anyway. But to get our girl to her additional needs school we drive 45 mins each way. Petrol prices are taking most of our cash, after rent. Food has to be cut back. Cheap meals like hot chips, frozen pizzas, noodles etc don't make the greatest healthy meals but they do fill hungry tummies.”

The Smith Family’s CEO Doug Taylor said the challenges expressed by parents highlight the agonising decisions families are having to make as to where they spend their dollars each week, which can have devastating impacts on children’s ability to learn and thrive in their education.

“Families have faced one hit after another in recent years, and cost-of-living pressures are taking an immense toll, particularly for those who were already struggling,” Mr Taylor said. “The worry is that these added pressures at home, on top of the challenges children might be facing in their learning at school, can increase their risk of falling behind or disengaging from school altogether.”

In response to the growing need in our communities, The Smith Family is expanding its innovative and evidence-based learning support programs, including reading, tutoring and mentoring programs, to assist thousands more children and young people across the country.

The charity is hoping to raise $5.6 million nationally through its annual Christmas Appeal, launching this week, to help more than 13,330 students access these programs and catch up on their learning in the new school year.

“We believe that education is one of the most powerful agents of change,” Mr Taylor said.

“This crucial learning support, provided outside of school to complement what happens in the classroom, helps children stay motivated and engaged in their education, increases their likelihood of completing Year 12 and sets them up for a successful transition to employment or further study after school.

With more than a million young Australians living in poverty today, the expansion of our learning and mentoring programs is critical to help children overcome the barriers they face – especially against the current challenges of rising living costs and the ongoing impacts of COVID.”

A better future ahead

Looking towards 2023, survey respondents had a number of hopes for their children’s education – in particular, for their children to improve in their learning and do well at school, and have the opportunities and support they need to achieve their goals and follow their dreams.

One caregiver said: “I would like the boys to be on par with their peers academically. To feel like [they aren’t] struggling to keep up.”

Another said: “[My hope is that] they catch up so they don’t feel lost in class.”

And despite the challenges of recent years, parents and carers said they are proud of their children’s efforts and achievements, and particularly of the resilience and perseverance their children have shown after the disruptions of the last two years.

One parent said: “I am proud of how much and how far my children have achieved this year after everything they have gone through.”

Another said: “[I am proud] that they both keep trying their best, despite having been sick a lot. It would be easy to become discouraged and stop trying but they have been real troupers.”

“Every parent wants to see their child thriving and doing their best at school, but children growing up in disadvantage face daily challenges that can prevent them achieving all they’re capable of,” Mr Taylor said.

“Supporting children to make the most of educational opportunities now helps them build the skills they need for a better future. When children have the support they need to learn today, they can change their tomorrow.”

Find out more about The Smith Family’s learning and mentoring programs, and how you can support the charity’s Christmas Appeal.

For the full survey results, click here.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

The Smith Family Pulse Survey is an annual survey of parents and carers, gathering insights about how their children are faring at school and any issues affecting their children’s education. The survey is open to parents and carers whose children are currently supported through the charity’s Learning for Life education support program, which provides emotional, practical and financial support to young Australians experiencing disadvantage. This survey was conducted between 7-16 September 2022 and there was a total of 1,965 respondents.

Media Enquiries:

Caitlin Dickson | Media Advisor | 0466 955 633 | Caitlin.Dickson@thesmithfamily.com.au
Naomi Kaplan, Media Advisor | 0411 758 596 | naomi.kaplan@thesmithfamily.com.au
Michael Tarquinio, Acting National Media Manager | 0481 903 439 | michael.tarquinio@thesmithfamily.com.au
Sophie Eaton, Media Advisor | 0447 571 397 | sophie.eaton@thesmithfamily.com.au
Reid Jermyn, Media Advisor | 0412 803 566 | reid.jermyn@thesmithfamily.com.au