Children and Young People's Access to Books and Educational Devices at Home during the Cost-of-Living Crisis: A Survey of over 3,000 Parents and Carers in 2023

National Literacy Trust. Swire House, 59 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AJ, UK. Tel: +44-2078-282435; Fax: +44-2079-319986; e-mail: contact@literacytrust.org.uk; Web site: http://www.literacytrust.org.uk

N

23

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Economic Factors; Books; Costs; Parent Attitudes; Socioeconomic Status; Access to Computers; Barriers; Stress Variables; Reading; School Libraries; Family Income; Coping

In early 2023, 85.6% of parents reported being worried about the cost-of-living crisis, and, as a consequence, they cut back on energy, food, gas and electricity. While parents recognised the many benefits of reading for their children's learning and well-being, household budgets were under pressure: 1 in 5 (20.0%) were buying fewer books for their children, especially those families who were struggling financially as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. The cost-of-living crisis is affecting household finances across income brackets, with many parents and carers struggling financially under the current circumstances. This report explores the impact of cost-of-living pressures on children and young people's access to reading resources and support at home.

ERIC

2023

ED627103