An estimated 136,800 children in Northern Ireland could be at risk of living in cold, damp homes this winter as their parents struggle to afford to heat their homes. This shocking finding comes from a new survey by YouGov on behalf of the parenting charity Parentkind. The survey revealed that 41% of NI parents have had to ration their heating in the past year, which is higher than the UK average of 35%.
Financial struggles are a major concern for parents in Northern Ireland, with 35% of parents reporting financial difficulties and 19% getting into debt each month. Nearly a quarter of parents are worried about paying their rent or mortgage, and 19% have had to skip meals to save money in the last year.
The survey also highlighted the challenges parents face in sending their children to school, with costs such as uniforms, school trips, and school meals causing financial strain. In fact, two-thirds of parents in Northern Ireland cited these expenses as their biggest financial challenge. Additionally, concerns about the cost of regular voluntary donations to the school fund were higher in Northern Ireland compared to the UK average.
Mental health is another area of concern for parents in Northern Ireland, with 22% reporting poor mental health in the last 12 months. The survey also found that parents are worried about the amount of time their children spend on screens, with social media being a particular concern for many.
Parentkind CEO Jason Elsom emphasized the importance of the survey in shedding light on the challenges faced by families across the UK. He highlighted the impact of financial struggles, mental health concerns, and screen time on family life. Elsom called on policymakers to prioritize parents’ concerns and work towards making life better for families.
The survey also revealed that support for universal free school meals is high among parents in Northern Ireland, with the majority agreeing that they should be free for all children. This underscores the importance of addressing financial barriers to education and supporting families in need.
Overall, the National Parent Survey provides valuable insights into the experiences and concerns of parents in Northern Ireland. It serves as a call to action for policymakers to listen to parents’ voices and take steps to improve the well-being of families across the UK.