School uniforms and access to home internet are just some of the essentials children face going without as cost-of-living pressures add an extra layer of stress to back-to-school preparations.
Research from national child protection organisation Act for Kids has revealed almost one in three Australians (30%) struggle to pay for their children’s basic educational needs, including uniforms, stationery, books, excursions and school fees.
The Act for Kids survey of almost 1000 Australian parents also found more than quarter (27%) reported difficulty affording internet at home.
And 40% of Aussies said they were battling to pay for extracurricular activities important to their child’s social and physical wellbeing, such as sport, music and hobbies.
Act for Kids CEO Dr Katrina Lines said many children across the country were sadly suffering from the flow-on effects of the cost-of-living crisis.
“It is common for children to experience some form of anxiety about heading back to the classroom as this often involves change, whether that be a new school, teacher or meeting new classmates,” Dr Lines said.
“It can be quite distressing if, on top of this, they are worried about not having the right uniform or whether they will have the materials to complete school work including homework.
“We are seeing parents and carers who are under significant pressure, making it harder for them to provide a safe and stable environment for their kids.
“If your family is facing these challenges, it’s so important to share the burden by seeking help from your child’s school, community organisations and government support services.”
Here are some more tips to ease the back-to-school pressure:
- Ask your child’s school about any financial assistance available for essential expenses, such as excursion fees, uniforms and stationery
- If you are experiencing financial hardship, contact your child’s school to discuss options for payment plans or fee waivers
- Explore any rebates, grants or other assistance provided by your state or territory government. You can also contact your local MP.
- Talk to your child about returning to school – listen to any of their concerns and acknowledge the feelings they may have about starting the school year
- Set a weekday routine now to ensure kids are getting into the right mindset in preparation for their return
More support is available:
- Kids Helpline – Call 1800 55 1800 (24 hours a day)
- Beyond Blue – Call 1300 22 4636 (24 hours a day)
About us:
Act for Kids is a for-purpose organisation that delivers evidence-led professional therapy and support services to children and families who have experienced or are at risk of harm.
Our dedicated team of psychologists, speech therapists, early education specialists, counsellors, occupational therapists and family support workers have helped hundreds of thousands of children and families since 1988.
Our purpose is to help keep kids safe, heal from trauma, lead happy lives and thrive.
Contact details:
Melanie Whiting 0427 794 666