The confronting impact of Australia’s cost-of-living crisis on children has been laid bare in a new survey commissioned by national child protection charity, Act for Kids.
Children living in overcrowded homes and parents skipping their medication to pay for groceries are just some of the real-life cases Act for Kids staff are supporting as families battle rising costs.
The Act for Kids survey of almost 1000 Australians revealed 43% of people were struggling to afford health care for their family, while almost one in three people (30%) were having difficulty paying for their children’s basic educational needs*.
Almost one in three Aussies (30%) said they were struggling to buy food for their family, while more than a quarter of people (27%) reported difficulty affording internet.
The research also found 37% of people were struggling to pay their rent or mortgage and 40% were finding it tough to pay for their children’s sporting activities and hobbies.
The survey was commissioned ahead of Anti-Poverty Week (October 13 to 19), which is calling on Australians to better understand poverty and act collectively to end it, with a focus on child poverty this year.
Act for Kids CEO Dr Katrina Lines said the level of demand on front line support services and impact on children had never been greater.
“These current cost-of-living pressures are compounding the issues families are already facing and we are concerned that the cohort will get bigger,” Dr Lines said.
“Our staff provide food vouchers to families in need, and we have seen our spend on food vouchers increase by 12% over the last two years.
“We also purchase material goods such as furniture, household items, clothing, shoes etc and expenditure on these items for families in need has increased by 14% in the same period.
“Australians tend to think of child poverty as an issue for developing countries overseas, but it’s happening right here on our doorstep and it’s impacting on the safety, health and well being of children and young people.”
Dr Lines said when families are worried about keeping a roof over their head or affording groceries, the pressure on parents is enormous, making it more difficult to create a safe and stable environment for children.
“Every child deserves to grow up in a safe home where they feel protected, but when families are pushed to breaking point financially, it makes it harder for parents to be emotionally available for their kids,” she said.
“We’re deeply concerned that the strain on families caused by the cost-of-living crisis will have long-term impacts on children’s well being.
“Evidence strongly shows that children living in poverty face a greater risk of poor developmental outcomes in later childhood, weaker cognitive and social development and lower overall health.”
Act for Kids is urging all Australians to join the new campaign to end child poverty and take action by signing the pledge and petition.
