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.
The cost of these items has placed a significant financial strain on households, with 43% of respondents reporting that digital tools have become a major burden. Parents of upper secondary students (16-18 years old) are more likely to be burdened by the increasing cost of these digital tools (50%).
For many, these challenges mean sacrificing other essential household items, with more than one in five respondents (22%) reporting they have had to forgo other necessities to cover education essentials. Nearly one in eight surveyed parents (12%) have turned to credit cards or loans to pay for essential education items.
Good360’s efforts
Good360, a charity dedicated to connecting unsold consumer goods with charities and disadvantaged schools, is taking action to address the growing digital divide in Australia.
“Demand for essential digital tools like laptops and reliable internet access is surging as the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact Australian households,” says Good360 Australia founder and Managing Director Alison Covington AM.
“Governments and businesses must step up through funding, donations, or partnerships – to ensure families can access the resources they need for their children’s education.”
Since 2023, Good360 has received requests for more than 19,000 laptops and digital items to support charities and disadvantaged schools. Demand has significantly increased this financial year, rising 43% compared to last year.
Ms Covington praises the support of over 30 product and financial donors contributing to Good360’s Digital Divide program but emphasises the urgent need for additional support and partners to meet the growing demand.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support Good360 has received so far. In 2024 alone, we connected over $1 million worth of digital devices to communities in need, but we need to double the number of donors to address the growing need in our community,” she says.
“By redirecting surplus devices, we can help bridge the digital divide while also reducing waste. Businesses and retailers have a huge opportunity to support students’ education, bridge education inequality and improve sustainability.”
To play a role in bridging the digital divide, email Good360 at corporatepartnerships@good360.org.au or visit good360.org.au/digital-divide.
