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Nine in ten families surveyed worried they will struggle to afford school essentials

23 January 2023

Thousands of Australian children could miss out on essential items for learning as they head into the new school year, including digital devices, internet access, school supplies, uniforms and shoes, according to national children’s education charity The Smith Family.

Doug Taylor, The Smith Family’s CEO, said the situation is becoming dire for many families who are struggling to afford the basics their children need for school, with the cost-of-living crisis compounding the financial pressures they were already facing.

A survey of almost 2,000 families supported by charity has revealed:

  • Nearly nine out of ten parents and carers (87.1%) are worried about being able to afford all the things their children will need for school this year. Of these, three in ten (29.8%) are very worried and a similar proportion (29.6%) are somewhat worried.
  • More than half of respondents (51.6%) think their children are likely to miss out on the digital devices needed for their schoolwork because they won’t be able to afford them. One in five (21.6%) think their children will miss out on internet access for schoolwork.
  • Four in ten (40.5%) think their children will miss out on other school supplies, such as exercise books and stationery.
  • Three in ten (29.7%) think their children will miss out on uniforms or shoes for school.

One caregiver surveyed said, “Through Covid 19 and inflation, [my] kids’ grades went backwards and the school expectations of laptops for every child has now become the hardest [for] my child.”

Another respondent said, “Having internet that is unreliable and a lack of devices doesn't help either. There is so much assumption about what access students have including to streaming services that it places more burdens on families.”

To help meet the growing need, The Smith Family is launching its Back to School Appeal, calling on Australians to sponsor a child and help them thrive at school and beyond. The charity needs to find 6,230 new sponsors for its Learning for Life education support program, which provides financial, emotional and practical support for students experiencing disadvantage, throughout their educational journey.

Mr Taylor said: “We all want our children to have everything they need to make the most of their education. But children who experience disadvantage are at risk of missing out on vital resources and support for their learning, whether that’s having the right uniform to feel a sense of belonging at school or the tools they need to complete their schoolwork.

“Devices such as laptops and reliable internet are absolutely part of these education essentials in today’s world, yet digital access and affordability is a major issue for students in low-income households. This is not a new challenge but it has been exacerbated by the rapid shift to remote learning during the pandemic and cost-of-living increases are making things even more difficult.”

As well as helping families afford school essentials for their children, students on the Learning for Life program have access to a range of proven numeracy, reading and mentoring programs, so they can build essential skills, aspirations and self-belief to reach their potential.

“The long-term, wrap-around support we provide helps children not only want to be at school but have the tools and resources they need to keep up with their peers, complete their education and go on to further study or work,” Mr Taylor said.

“We’ve also committed to ensuring every student on our sponsorship program has digital access over the next five years, having already distributed 6,500 Digital Inclusion packs to families we work with since the pandemic began.”

With 60,000 students currently sponsored and plans to significantly extend this to reach even more of the one in six young Australians living below the poverty line, The Smith Family is grateful for the generous support of the Australian community in sponsoring students in need. This includes major partners like Officeworks, who have made significant contributions to help students experiencing disadvantage, raising more than $6.5m over the last ten years.

“This vital education support is life-changing for the young people on our program, helping them to unlock their potential and create a better future for themselves. We thank all of the sponsors who get behind these students and make this possible,” Mr Taylor said.

How sponsorship works

The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program is an innovative, evidence-based education support program shown to improve learning outcomes for children experiencing disadvantage. Children referred to the program via more than 760 partner schools across Australia can be sponsored from their first year of primary school right through to completing tertiary study.

Sponsorship starts from $55 per month for a child in primary school and provides:

  • financial assistance for education essentials, including uniforms, shoes, books and school supplies
  • tailored personal support from a dedicated Smith Family team member for the duration of a child’s educational journey
  • access to extra out-of-school learning and mentoring programs

To support The Smith Family’s Back to School Appeal, visit thesmithfamily.com.au/sponsor

EDITOR’S NOTE:

The Smith Family Pulse Survey was focused on gathering insights directly from parents and carers about how their children are faring at school and any issues affecting their children’s education. The survey was open to parents whose children are currently supported through The Smith Family’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.

Back to School and Officeworks partnership

Until 5 February, Australians can also donate at Officeworks or online to provide educational support to students who need it most. With the support of Officeworks, The Smith Family is empowering more young people to create brighter futures for themselves.

Media Enquiries:
NSW, WA, TAS: Sophie Eaton | 0447 571 397 | sophie.eaton@thesmithfamily.com.au
VIC, SA, NT: Reid Jermyn | 0447 571 397 | reid.jermyn@thesmithfamily.com.au
QLD, ACT: Caitlin Dickson | 0447 571 397 | caitlin.dickson@thesmithfamily.com.au