A study suggests that parents are facing escalating expenses to prepare their children for the new school year due to pressure from their kids. Apart from the usual costs of school supplies and uniforms, parents are now dealing with demands for the latest gadgets, footwear, and skincare products. This additional burden on family budgets is particularly challenging after a financially strained summer for many households.

According to a recent report by Back Market, parents are feeling the strain of spending an average of £845 on back-to-school items per child. The study reveals that over half of parents feel compelled to purchase a new school bag, even if the existing one is still usable. Additionally, approximately a third of parents are pressured into buying trendy branded sneakers, new lunchboxes, and costly school trips by their children.

A significant number of parents have reported requests for expensive items like laptops, iPhones, and high-end smartphones from their kids. This desire to keep up with peers and social media influences is driving children to demand items such as luxury cups and skincare products.

However, the financial impact of these demands is substantial, with eight out of ten parents expressing concerns about affording everything their child deems necessary for school. The survey also highlights that many parents believe there is excessive emphasis on status associated with owning the latest technology and gear, leading to feelings of financial strain and cost escalation.

Luke Forshaw, the head of brand and marketing at Back Market, emphasized the financial pressure parents face to meet their children’s back-to-school needs, particularly concerning technology expenses. He advocated for the use of refurbished technology as a cost-effective and sustainable solution to provide children with quality devices while easing the financial burden on parents.