Australian kids are getting ready to go back to school after a well deserved summer break, but with the cost of living and school expenses, parents are making difficult decisions on how to spend their money.

A new survey conducted by The Smith Family, thousands of students are at risk of missing out on essential items for learning.

Around half of surveyed parents think their children won’t be able to purchase digital devices for schoolwork.

Also near 50 per cent of  participants expressed concerns about buying a new uniform or shoes, an increase from nearly 30 per cent last year.

Image: Image by Anil sharma from Pixabay

Produced By: Anita Savage

Featured In Story: Fiona Coluccio – General Manager from New South Wales and the ACT from The Smith Family

First aired on The Wire, Thursday 18 January 2024