Concerns for how cost of living crisis is affecting children in Staffordshire
New research found almost a third of parents admit their kids are struggling to sleep at least once a week.
Last updated 20th Jun 2023
The Government is being urged to do more to help families struggling with money to be able to have an acceptable standard of living and to provide more financial support to families
A new study suggests, more than half of UK parents are worried about how financial problems are impacting their children's mental and physical health.
The Child Poverty Action Group says almost a third of parents admit that their kids are struggling to sleep at least once a week.
While many believe their youngsters are angry or upset about how difficult life has become.
Beyond food, those in poverty are having to abandon much of what makes up the quality of children’s lives.
Government data shows there are already 4.2 million children in poverty and the number is expected to rise.
Recent data revealed that ALL local authorities across Staffordshire and Cheshire have recorded a jump in child poverty since 2015.
It shows Stoke-on-Trent with the biggest increase of nearly 11-percent.
Newcastle and Stafford each saw rises of nearly 6-percent.
The research from the Child Poverty Action Group, with families receiving benefits like universal credit, found that while 72% of parents try to hide how stressful things are financially from their children, the problem is so acute the kids pick up on this stress concealment.
Similarly, while 44% of parents surveyed believe their children also feel upset or angry about how difficult life is due to a lack of money, the actual figure is higher with over half (56%) of children saying they feel this way.
Children are also missing out on a range of important social interactions specifically because of a lack of money.
To raise awareness of the ongoing struggles and rising child poverty, CPAG is launching a short film illustrating the experiences of a child isolated by poverty. The footage shows a boy faced with an empty lunch box as he imagines a fantastical feast with friends.