Back to school: 13% of children spend their own money on school supplies

Parents and children are already getting ready for the return to school. During this period, buying school supplies is a fundamental part of the preparation, and approximately 13% of children use their own money to do so. The survey 'Back to School: Analyzing the return to school through school supplies, snack consumption habits and influence at home', by Kids Corp, reveals that, among children aged 6 to 12, 17% take this initiative.

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The research was carried out throughout 2024, with 5,750 children and young people aged 3 to 17 and 1,320 fathers and mothers with children in the same age group, belonging to classes A, B and C+, with a nationally representative sample.

When it comes to spending their own money, school supplies are not a priority for children. They are eighth on the shopping list, led by clothing, shoes and accessories, with 35% of children spending in this category. Next comes:

• food and drink (33%);
• eating out (32%);
• toys (24%);
• cinema and theater (21%);
• hairdresser (20%);
• personal hygiene products and cosmetics (15%).

Where does this money come from? Respondents say that when they want something, they receive money from their parents or guardians, while 24% of teens have an allowance and 19% say they receive both forms of subsidy.

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Relationship with electronics

The research confirms the close relationship that children and teenagers have with gadgets. It is no surprise that smartphones are in the lead, being used by 83%, while 71% already have one.

The smart TV is in second place, used by 69% and owned by 34%. Next come headphones, used by 32% and owned by 24%; the office computer, used by 32% and owned by 12%; and the video game console, used by 22% and owned by 14%.

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