Media Coverage
Retail World Magazine; January 29, 2025
New research into the ‘digital divide’ and cost-of-living crisis highlights the growing financial strain on Australian families as the new school year gets underway.
The research, conducted by charity Good360 Australia, surveyed 500 parents of school-aged children. It reveals that 39% of respondents are struggling to afford essential education items, with access to digital tools a critical challenge.
Financial pressure on households is an escalating concern, with nearly two in five surveyed parents (38%) saying they are more concerned this year about affording school essentials than in previous years. Digital tools such as laptops and reliable internet access are the most significant affordability issue for families (30%), followed closely by uniforms and school shoes (29%), and the cost of books, stationery and backpacks (21%).
The research highlights a divide in access to essential digital tools for education. Only 48% of surveyed parents report having reliable internet access at home for their child’s educational needs, while just 40% of children have regular access to a laptop or computer for schoolwork.
Read the full article over at Retail World Magazine.
