As the beginning of a new school year approaches, recent research shows Australian families are becoming more worried about being able to afford everything their child needs.
The latest Pulse Survey of families supported by national children’s education charity The Smith Family shows more than four out of five families are concerned about affordability.
When asked about what items they worry their children will miss out on, 56 per cent of families surveyed said digital devices and 40 per cent said basics such as shoes and uniforms.
The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor says the impact of school students not having the right equipment can have a severe impact on their schooling.
“From the moment students step through the school gate on their first day, not having the correct shoes or uniform can make them feel different and severely impact their confidence,” Taylor said.
“Meanwhile, lack of access to items such as digital devices – which are now essential, particularly for high school – often leaves students unable to fully participate in their education today and locks them out of the workforce tomorrow.”
Earlier this month The Smith Family launched its 2026 Back to School Appeal, aiming to secure over 3,500 new sponsors, so more children in need can access its learning for life scholarship program.
“It’s a sad fact that in Australia today, one in six children are growing up experiencing the effects of poverty, which as we know has a negative impact on their ability to make the most of their education,” Taylor said.
“Research tells us that by Year 9 a student who experiences disadvantage can be four to five years behind their peers in literacy and numeracy.
“The start of the school year is a pivotal time to set children up with the tools they need to make the most of their education. We’re calling on those generous Australians who can, to give a child in need the support to reach their full potential and create a better future for themselves.”
Co-Founder of western Sydney charity Our Community Cares Kris Gauci said they have seen more families asking for help to make sure their children have what they need for school.
“We ring around to all the primary schools in the area, we haven’t even touched on the high schools as yet, and we find out how many backpacks they might need for the year for the students that are in need,” Gauci said.
“It’s gone from 200 a couple of years ago to this year 537. That shows how much its increased and it is really quite dreadful how many more people are doing it tough.”
Gauci said that giving children all the tools they need will help them reach their full potential at school.
“I think that if kids have the right tools to learn, a lot more kids will learn. That’s what we hope will happen when we give the kids their backpacks,” she said.
The Smith Family’s is also commitment to ensuring students are digitally connected.
Over the last seven years more than 14,000 laptops have been distributed to families, but 44 per cent of students are still not digitally included, meaning they don’t have access to a digital device in a household with mobile or broadband internet.
For more information about The Smith Family thesmithfamily.com.au/sponsor-a-child.
