Australian school students going without food, uniforms and educational essentials

A new survey shows the rising cost of living is putting Australian parents under financial stress when buying essential school items.

Michelle Maxey and Wayne Muir with their 15-year-old son Ross. Picture: Tony Gough

Every day, Wayne Muir and his partner Michelle Maxey face the trauma of having to send their 15-year-old son Ross to school without any lunch.

“Due to the rising cost of living, we can’t afford to buy a lot of food,” Mr Muir says. “Ross rarely takes food for lunch because we don’t have enough.”

School uniforms and equipment are also a problem. “School essentials are a huge part of every family’s budget but between uniforms, shoes and all the necessary supplies he needs to get by, it’s becoming less and less affordable.”

Mr Muir is not alone – results from The Smith Family’s annual Pulse Survey highlight the severity of education inequality and the barriers faced by children living in families experiencing poverty.

The survey revealed the biggest financial areas of concern for parents and caregivers were digital devices for schoolwork, educational activities outside of school, internet access at home, uniforms or shoes and school excursions.

“Poverty can have a profound and damaging effect on a child’s educational outcomes, with long-term consequences for their health, career and life prospects,” The Smith Family CEO, Doug Taylor, said.

“It’s alarming to hear so many families are concerned about not being able to afford what children need for their learning this school year.”

Since 2019, Ross – who lives with ADHD and autism – has been supported by the charity’s flagship Learning for Life program, receiving financial and educational support to help navigate the complexities of modern school life and keep up with his peers.

“The support we receive from The Smith Family makes a huge difference,” Mr Muir said.

“It means he can focus on being a kid, going to school and not having to worry about how we are going to afford to pay for everything he needs so that he fits in.”

The Smith Family is launching its Back to School Appeal, aiming to secure sponsors to support another 15,000 students nationally through the Learning for Life program.

To donate, visit thesmithfamily.com.au

Originally published as Australian school students going without food, uniforms and educational essentials