‘Difficult sacrifice:’ Parents make hard choices just to pay for kids education

Australian families are being forced to choose between necessities for their kids’ education or the family home.

Soaring back-to-school costs are putting pressure on the family budget, with access to digital tools becoming a critical challenge for families.

According to Good360 Australia survey data, nearly two in five parents say they are more concerned with affording schooling essentials than in previous years.

Topping the concerns are the costs of digital tools, including laptops, and reliable internet access at the family home, with 43 per cent of families calling digital tools “a major burden”.

Good360 say parents are struggling to afford the computers their children need.

Good360 founder and managing director Alison Covington said there were ongoing pressures for Aussie families to find the money they needed for basic schooling.

“As the cost-of-living crisis continues, our research shows parents are making difficult sacrifices to support their children’s learning. Nobody should be forced to choose between essentials for their child’s education and basic family necessities such as food and clothing,” Ms Covington said.

According to the research, the growing costs of digital tools outweighs the costs for a school uniform, books and stationery and backpacks.

The research highlights a concerning divide in access to essential digital tools for education, with only 48 per cent of households having reliable internet access at home for their children’s education needs, while just 40 per cent have regular access to a laptop or computer to complete school tasks.

Forty per cent of Aussie families per cent say digital tools are a major concern for students.

“Demand for essential digital tools like laptops and reliable internet access is surging as the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact Australian households. Governments and businesses must step up through funding, donations, or partnerships to ensure families can access the resources they need for their children’s education,” Ms Covington said.

Parents worry these costs will only increase as their children reach the final years of their education.

The impact of these financial struggles extends beyond the household budget, with 16 per cent of parents surveyed reporting that difficulty affording school supplies has caused stress or worry at home. A further 10 per cent say their child’s participation in education, including completing work, has been negatively affected due to these costs.

NSW parents are feeling the cost of living the most, with 42 per cent saying they are more concerned this year than last year. This compares with a national average of 39 per cent.

Originally published as ‘Difficult sacrifice:’ Parents make hard choices just to pay for kids education