Survey finds cost of living crisis threatening childrens education

The latest annual Pulse Survey by children’s education charity, The Smith Family, has revealed that the cost-of-living crisis is continuing to exacerbate educational inequalities faced by children experiencing disadvantage, with over half of the 2,284 parent and carer respondents saying that they found it hard to afford all the things their children needed for school in 2023.   

The CEO of the Smith Family, Doug Taylor said families already experiencing disadvantage have been pushed to the brink in recent times due to inflationary pressures.  

“This is the second year in a row that our families have told us how much the cost-of-living crisis is threatening their children’s education,” he said. 

“After allocating funds for vital needs such as food, housing, petrol and bills, many are finding it impossible to be able to afford the increasing costs for the things their children need to fully participate in their learning.” 

To help children stay engaged at school and mitigate these challenges, The Smith Family is aiming to raise $5.3 million nationally as part of its annual Christmas Appeal. Funds raised through donations by generous Australians will ensure students can take part in the charity’s evidence-based numeracy, literacy, tutoring, digital and mentoring programs to help them catch up and keep up at school.  

Among the survey’s key findings: 

• More than half of respondents (56.3%) found it hard or very hard to afford all the things their children needed for school this year. Just over 52% cited increases in everyday expenses such as groceries, rent, home energy costs, and petrol, and more than half revealed that the cost of school essentials has increased for them. 
• Just over one-third of respondents (34.5%) said that school has been hard or very hard for their children this year. Some of the most cited reasons included disability, mental health, and other health issues amongst students. Also high on the list were bullying, social issues, and children struggling with schoolwork due to increased demand, commitments, and workloads – especially in the senior years.  

One caregiver surveyed said: “With the cost of everything going up, I struggle to pay for my basic household bills. I can’t provide the everyday things for my son to make him feel like he fits in with his friends and [has] the same life as they have.” 

Another participant said: “[the] cost of living has made it hard to access things [my children] need like a replacement uniform and new subject materials.”  

Mr Taylor said The Smith Family is deeply concerned about the worrying flow-on effects that such challenges are having on children’s educational outcomes. 
 
“When children are experiencing added pressures like mental and physical health issues, as well as social and academic challenges, this makes it even more difficult for them to attend school with confidence and stay motivated in their learning,” he said.  

Currently one in six Australian children are growing up in poverty, limiting their ability to make the most of their education and achieve their full potential. 

“Students experiencing disadvantage often start school behind their more advantaged peers. By the time they reach Year 9, they can be four or more years behind their peers in literacy and numeracy,” Mr Taylor said. 

“Without additional support, these children are at risk of falling behind or disengaging from school altogether, but a little help can make a big difference to a child’s education.” 

Funds raised through The Smith Family's Christmas Appeal will help the charity to expand its reach to support an additional 12,600 young people experiencing disadvantage through its educational programs so students can stay motivated and engaged at school and go on to complete Year 12. This will set them up for a successful transition to tertiary education or training and employment. 
  
“Learning support is our key focus because we believe that education is one of the most powerful agents of change,” Mr Taylor said. 
 
A brighter future 

Despite the difficulties faced by families in recent years, parents and carers responding to the Pulse Survey said they are extremely proud of their children’s perseverance throughout a challenging period. 
  
One parent said: “[My children] are all getting great grades in the subjects they are interested in. The one struggling with mental health just keeps trying again every day and explores other help when what she has isn’t working. I’m so proud of her courage to keep aiming for better and better attendance.” 
  
Another parent said: “[I’m most proud of] how resilient and persistent my child has proved himself to be facing all the learning challenges he has endured.” 
  
Mr Taylor says The Smith Family is committed to doing all it can to help children and young people to make the most out of their education so they can build the skills they need for better futures.  
 
“When children have the support they need to learn today, they can change their tomorrow. And thanks to our incredibly generous supporters, we are able to make this happen, one student at a time,” he said. 

To find out more about The Smith Family’s learning and mentoring programs, and how you can support the charity’s Christmas Appeal click here. For the 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 September 6-20, 2023 with 2,284 respondents.  

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Media Enquiries:

Naomi Kaplan, Media Advisor | 0411 758 596 | naomi.kaplan@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
Andrew Dickson, Acting National Media Manager | 0421 285 529 | andrew.dickson@thesmithfamily.com.au