Tablets are a bitter pill to swallow: 43% of Australian parents forced to cut back on spending
Aussie parents are struggling with the skyrocketing cost of kids' technology, according to new research by Finder.
According to Finder's Parenting Report 2023, which surveyed 1,033 Australian parents of children under 12, a staggering 43% have had to make financial sacrifices to afford the laptops and tablets stipulated by their kids' schools.
A worrying 14% of parents of kids under 12 admit they have had to cut back on grocery spending to be able to pay for devices for their children.
The research found 13% had to cut back on entertainment spending, while the same proportion had to cut back on holiday spending.
Angus Kidman, tech expert at Finder, said the cost of tech for education is becoming a burden.
"Digital requirements at school can be a huge cost for families.
"Many parents wouldn't be considering buying their child a device but are required to by the school.
"In some cases parents are having to upgrade their kids' devices long before they upgrade their own.
"Long-term supply chain challenges also mean laptop and tablet prices have remained high."
Finder's research shows almost 1 in 3 (30%) parents surveyed said their child is required to have a device at school.
Kidman encouraged parents who were struggling to seek help sooner rather than later.
"To help ease the financial burden, talk to your school about potential payment plans, or borrowing or renting devices.
"You might also be able to save some cash by sourcing second-hand devices," Kidman said.
| Have you had to cut back on any essentials in order to purchase a laptop or tablet for your kids? | |
|---|---|
| Yes, I have had to cut back on grocery spending | 14% |
| Yes, I have had to cut back on entertainment spending | 13% |
| Yes, I have had to cut back on holiday spending | 13% |
| Yes, I have had to cut back on medical spending | 4% |
| No | 57% |
| Source: Finder's Parenting Report 2023 of 1,033 parents of children 0–12, November 2022 |
For the best laptops for students visit https://www.finder.com.au/best-laptops-for-students.