In its annual survey, the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) has raised concerns about the growing risks to children's futures due to escalating debt, deteriorating mental health, and the high cost and scarcity of childcare. The survey reveals that 87% of parents with babies, toddlers, and young children are anxious about their children’s future opportunities.
The charity highlights that parents, especially those from lower-income households, are not receiving adequate support to ensure their children have the best possible start in life.
Results of the annual YouGov survey commissioned by UNICEF UK has found that financial worries, poor mental health, and childcare continue to severely impact families with young children up and down the country. 66% of parents of 0-4 year olds said the cost-of-living crisis had negatively impacted their family, 63% reported to have struggled with their mental health while being a parent, and 62% cited the lack of local, affordable, and quality childcare as one of the biggest challenges facing parents.
Joanna Rea, Director of Advocacy UNICEF UK, told Asian Voice, “Our findings reveal that households living on lower incomes (£19,999 or below a year) are suffering the most with 77% from this group reporting to be negatively impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. The report shows a consistent pattern across the metrics of those on lower incomes suffering more - with 62% dreading the holidays because of the financial strain, 39% borrowing money or have gone into debt to make ends meet and pay for the essentials, and three-quarters (75%) reporting to have struggled with their mental health while being a parent.
“Behind these figures are children and families across the country who are really struggling – parents borrowing money, skipping meals, and worrying about making ends meet, children going without the essentials they need, starting school already behind their peers, and growing up in stressed and stretched households.”
UNICEF UK surveyed parents to understand their top concerns and the impact these worries have on their lives and parenting. The most common concerns included saving for the future (56%), making ends meet (47%), childcare (44%), and children’s health and development (44%), with many respondents expressing significant anxiety about these issues.
“We heard time and again how parents had reduced spending on activities for their children, struggled to pay for play groups, and cut back on spending on books and toys for their children. We need to ensure the systems in place to support young children and their parents work properly to ensure every child can thrive now and into the future”, said Joanna.
UNICEF UK is urging the new Government to reconsider early childhood services and enhance support for young children and their families by implementing a ‘National Baby and Toddler Guarantee.’ This initiative would ensure that every baby, toddler, and child under five receives the necessary support and services to thrive in their early years and beyond.
On the other hand, recent customer segmentation research by Fair4All Finance, in collaboration with Trajectory and CACI, reveals that nearly three million people have faced financial difficulties in the past year. Currently, 44% of UK adults are living in financially vulnerable situations. Many are at risk of falling into problem debt due to a lack of financial safety nets such as credit, insurance, or savings, which leaves them vulnerable to everyday events or unexpected expenses.
Ayesha Begum, Senior Manager, Strategy & Impact discussed financial disparity and how the ethnic minorities get the shorter end of the stick, stating, “People from minority ethnic groups face systemic economic disadvantages that are complex and multifaceted. They are more likely to be in lower-paid jobs, experience higher rates of poverty and unemployment, and face elevated housing costs. Additionally, their lower financial resilience makes them more vulnerable to financial difficulties in the event of a financial shock. These challenges, combined with barriers to accessing financial services, contribute to significant disparities in support for their financial well-being and resilience.”
