More than four in five Australian families are worried about being able to afford everything their children need for the 2026 school year, according to the latest Pulse Survey conducted by national children’s education charity The Smith Family.
The survey highlights growing concern that cost-of-living pressures are deepening educational inequality, particularly for families already experiencing disadvantage, and increasing the risk that students will fall behind or disengage from learning.
When asked which items they were most concerned their children would miss out on, 56 per cent of families cited access to digital devices, while 40 per cent worried about basic necessities such as shoes and school uniforms.
The Smith Family CEO Mr Doug Taylor said lacking essential school items can have immediate and long-term impacts on students’ confidence and learning outcomes.
“From the moment students step through the school gate on their first day, not having the correct shoes or uniform can make them feel different and severely impact their confidence,” Mr Taylor said.
He said limited access to digital devices was particularly concerning as technology is now central to education, especially in secondary school.
“Lack of access to items such as digital devices – which are now essential, particularly for high school – often leaves students unable to fully participate in their education today and locks them out of the workforce tomorrow,” he said.
The Pulse Survey findings come as The Smith Family launches its 2026 Back to School Appeal, which aims to secure more than 3,500 new sponsors so more children can access its Learning for Life scholarship program.
Mr Taylor said the need for support remains significant, with one in six Australian children growing up experiencing the effects of poverty.
“Research tells us that by Year 9 a student who experiences disadvantage can be four to five years behind their peers in literacy and numeracy,” he said.
Digital access remains a critical challenge. While more than 14,000 laptops have been distributed to families over the past seven years, 44 per cent of students are still not digitally included, meaning they lack access to a laptop or tablet in a household with mobile or broadband internet.
The importance of digital inclusion is reflected in a separate survey, where 93 per cent of parents reported that the digital support they received helped their children with schooling.
Mr Taylor said the beginning of the school year is a crucial opportunity to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed.
“The start of the school year is a pivotal time to set children up with the tools they need to make the most of their education,” he said. “We’re calling on those generous Australians who can, to give a child in need the support to reach their full potential and create a better future for themselves.”
