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Latest survey highlights impact of child poverty on education and shows overwhelming support to address it as a national priority
The impact of difficult financial times affects all aspects of daily life, but it can have a particularly big and lasting impact on a child’s education. The cost-of-living crisis means that many parents are struggling to meet financial commitments and having to make difficult decisions about how to use limited funds.
This can mean something as simple as a child not having the right uniform to help them feel included at school. At the other extreme, it can mean the child doesn’t have access to a digital device and reliable internet needed to complete their schoolwork and fully take part in their education.
A majority of respondents to the latest Community Attitudes Survey say they have seen child poverty worsen over the last year and don’t expect things to improve over the next 12 months. But the overwhelming majority also agree that combating child poverty should be a top priority for our nation.
The results over the last three surveys also show that the impact of poverty on education is well understood by most Australians. The number of respondents across all surveys that say cost-of-living increases impact on a child’s education, is consistently around 80%.
There is also broad demand across the three surveys (each over 82%) for action to help young people experiencing disadvantage with their education. This indicates that there is substantial support for real reform to build a better and fairer education system for all. (Review to inform a better and fairer Education system (thesmithfamily.com.au))
This survey is one of several that The Smith Family regularly conducts to gauge community attitudes towards various issues relating to the impact of poverty on children's education. Through this survey, we aimed to gain a better understanding of public perceptions on these matters and to inform our ongoing efforts to address the challenges facing disadvantaged children and families in our communities.
This can mean something as simple as a child not having the right uniform to help them feel included at school. At the other extreme, it can mean the child doesn’t have access to a digital device and reliable internet needed to complete their schoolwork and fully take part in their education.
A majority of respondents to the latest Community Attitudes Survey say they have seen child poverty worsen over the last year and don’t expect things to improve over the next 12 months. But the overwhelming majority also agree that combating child poverty should be a top priority for our nation.
The results over the last three surveys also show that the impact of poverty on education is well understood by most Australians. The number of respondents across all surveys that say cost-of-living increases impact on a child’s education, is consistently around 80%.
There is also broad demand across the three surveys (each over 82%) for action to help young people experiencing disadvantage with their education. This indicates that there is substantial support for real reform to build a better and fairer education system for all. (Review to inform a better and fairer Education system (thesmithfamily.com.au))
This survey is one of several that The Smith Family regularly conducts to gauge community attitudes towards various issues relating to the impact of poverty on children's education. Through this survey, we aimed to gain a better understanding of public perceptions on these matters and to inform our ongoing efforts to address the challenges facing disadvantaged children and families in our communities.
KEY FINDINGS:
- 78% of respondents expect child poverty to worsen in the next year due to cost of living increases.
- 83% also agree that cost of living increases have made it harder for students experiencing poverty to progress with their education.
- 83% of people say that students affected by poverty should be given extra support for their education.
- 85% agree that helping children and young people overcome poverty should be the top priority for Australia.
- 74% of people agree that a computer and reliable access to the internet are now essential for any child's education.
- Financially assisting with the costs of school essentials (63%) and providing them with a laptop and affordable internet access (62%) are seen as the most effective ways to help students experiencing disadvantage.
Child poverty has worsened and fixing it should be a top priority
1 in 6 young people are currently experiencing poverty. According to ACOSS the poverty line (after tax income) is $489 a week for a single adult and $1,027 a week for a couple with two children. With this in mind, to what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about students experiencing poverty in Australia?
Over three quarters of respondents (78%) said they had seen child poverty increase during 2023. And 83% said that cost-of-living increases had made it harder for students to progress with their education. The same number also said they believed students affected by poverty should be given extra support additional support to help them with their studies.
The number of respondents who think that combating childhood poverty should be a top priority for the nation increased slightly on the 2023 result, up to 85%.
The number of respondents who think that combating childhood poverty should be a top priority for the nation increased slightly on the 2023 result, up to 85%.
I see it as the number 1 issue, as a widening gap between rich and poor will only lead to a fragmented society.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about how poverty impacts on a student’s education?
Poverty impacts a child’s education in a variety of ways. Respondents recognised this, with 83% of respondents identifying attendance as being a major issue, saying that students affected by disadvantage are more likely to miss school and fall behind. 83% also thought that students experiencing disadvantage would be unable to participate in extracurricular activities and school excursions. And 82% said poverty led to greater likelihood that a student became disengaged from their learning.
Financial assistance and better access to technology are seen as the most effective ways to help students experiencing poverty
How effective do you think each of the following options are to help students who are experiencing disadvantage with their schooling?
When asked what sort of assistance they thought would be most effective to support students experiencing disadvantage, respondents nominated financial assistance for essential school items (63%) and providing access to a digital device and internet access (62%). Almost 3 in 5 respondents also said better careers education would be an effective support.
Families are struggling to afford school needs like textbooks, school supplies and other materials.
Access to a computer and the internet are seen as essential for children's education
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
Nearly four in five respondents (79%) recognise the importance of literacy, numeracy and digital skills in a modern education. Three quarters of respondents also recognised the need for every child to have access to a computer and reliable internet access.
Computer proficiency and basic technology skills are expected in nearly every career, to some degree. Even working at a Cafe as wait staff would require usage of a point of sale system. Any desk job will require proficiency with a computer, and more jobs are focusing on STEM areas which requires expertise and not just familiarity.
How The Smith Family helps
The Smith Family believes in a world where every child is empowered to change their future, and education is the most powerful agent to support that change.
The Smith Family supports the education of children and families experiencing disadvantage by offering access to a range of proven out-of-school education and mentoring programs. These start in the early years (Let’s Count, Let’s Read) and, through the Learning for Life sponsorship program, go right through to tertiary education and the transition into the workforce (Growing Careers Program).
Along the way they can access reading support programs like student2student, explore the world of work through Work Inspirations, get advice from a careers mentor through iTrack program, or develop their passion for the arts on the SmArts program.
Support through The Smith Family also helps families afford the necessities their children need to make the most of their education. This means that families don’t have to make a choice between paying for things like food or rent and buying the uniforms and schoolbooks that are needed for a child to thrive at school.
Financial support has become even more important as computers and digital access have become essential tools in any child’s education.
How can you get involved? You can make a donation, become a regular giver or sponsor a student on the Learning for Life program. Your generous support will help a child learn today, so they can create their own futures.
The Smith Family supports the education of children and families experiencing disadvantage by offering access to a range of proven out-of-school education and mentoring programs. These start in the early years (Let’s Count, Let’s Read) and, through the Learning for Life sponsorship program, go right through to tertiary education and the transition into the workforce (Growing Careers Program).
Along the way they can access reading support programs like student2student, explore the world of work through Work Inspirations, get advice from a careers mentor through iTrack program, or develop their passion for the arts on the SmArts program.
Support through The Smith Family also helps families afford the necessities their children need to make the most of their education. This means that families don’t have to make a choice between paying for things like food or rent and buying the uniforms and schoolbooks that are needed for a child to thrive at school.
Financial support has become even more important as computers and digital access have become essential tools in any child’s education.
How can you get involved? You can make a donation, become a regular giver or sponsor a student on the Learning for Life program. Your generous support will help a child learn today, so they can create their own futures.
About the poll
The Community Attitudes Survey was conducted by Essential Research, with data provided by Qualtronics, 5-9 March 2024. Sample size: 1126. The weighting efficiency applied to the results at a national level is 83%, which gives an effective sample size of 935. The maximal margin of error at this effective sample size is ±3.2% (95% confidence level). Note that due to rounding, not all tables necessarily total 100% and subtotals may also vary.
Qualitative analysis was also carried out, 20-22 March 2024. Sample size: 30. Conducted via an online discussion platform. This module was one of several discussion topics that participants responded to over the course of 3 days. Participants were recruited to ensure an even mix of ages, gender, state location and regional/metro representation.
Qualitative analysis was also carried out, 20-22 March 2024. Sample size: 30. Conducted via an online discussion platform. This module was one of several discussion topics that participants responded to over the course of 3 days. Participants were recruited to ensure an even mix of ages, gender, state location and regional/metro representation.