New national research from charity Good360 Australia reveals widespread and rising concern among Australian parents about education-related costs.

The research of 500 parents of school-aged children reveals:

• Nearly four in 10 respondents (37%) are worried about affording essential education items for their children this year.
• Half of those surveyed (48%) say the ‘hidden’ costs of education are adding to their overall cost-of-living stress.
• One in three surveyed parents (34%) feel that education-related costs are out of control, with digital tools continuing to top the list of concerns.
• One in four respondents (24%) are worried about affording laptops, tablets or reliable internet access for their child’s education. This is followed by the cost of uniforms, shoes and clothing (22%), school supplies such as books and stationery (14%), and basic items like lunch boxes and drink bottles (9%).

Further impacts

For many families, Good360 says the impact goes well beyond household budgets.

More than one in eight surveyed parents (13%) say difficulty affording education items has caused stress or worry in their household. These concerns include the impact on their children’s ability to fully participate in education, including missing out on activities or struggling with homework, and their wellbeing, such as their confidence, social connections and self-esteem.

Meanwhile, one in four respondents (24%) say the cost of extra-curricular activities makes it difficult for their child to participate.

Good360 Australia Head of Government and Philanthropy Susan Wallis says the findings are concerning and reinforce how the often ‘hidden’ or overlooked costs of education essentials can have ripple effects for young people.

“When parents are worried about affording education essential like clothing, stationery and drink bottles, the impact is felt deeply, causing concern, stress and difficult trade-offs. These pressures are ongoing and often invisible, but they have lasting consequences for children’s confidence and wellbeing,” she says.

“No family should have to choose between education essentials and other basic needs. Education should open doors, but sadly for too many families, the cost of education items can create barriers for their child to participate fully and thrive.”

Good360’s efforts

Good360 exists to ensure no one in Australia goes without life’s everyday essentials (including for education, home, hygiene and play).

Since 2015, the charity has redirected more than 45.8 million items donated by retailers to people in need, via a network of over 4800 charities and disadvantaged schools across Australia.

“When so many families and young people are doing it tough, surplus education essentials should not be sitting in warehouses or heading to landfill,” says Ms Wallis.  

“By donating these items, businesses can help relieve pressure on families, support children to participate fully at school, while also reducing waste and costs. It’s a win-win and a no-brainer.”