One in seven Canberra children face multiple hardships at school start
New ANU research studied children born in 2006-07 in Canberra. About one in seven faced multiple disadvantages at school entry.
A new study by the Australian National University found something important. About one in seven Canberra children grow up with overlapping disadvantages.
These affect their health, education, family finances and social relationships. Researchers tracked children born in 2006-07.
They found 14.6 per cent had multiple disadvantages at school entry. Another 15.3 per cent had them by their mid-teens.
Up to 89 per cent of these children lived in low-income households. Affected children were more likely to have poor health.
They struggled at school more. They lacked chances to take part in activities or make friends.
Children with multiple disadvantages were up to three times more likely to live in the ACT's most disadvantaged neighbourhoods. One in four were developmentally vulnerable when they started school.
- 14.6 per cent
- Children with disadvantages at school
- up to 3 times more likely
- In disadvantaged neighbourhoods
- 1 in 4
- Developmentally vulnerable at school
- up to 89 per cent
- In low-income households
Why it mattersEarly identification of children with multiple disadvantages could help. Governments could target support before problems get worse throughout childhood.
AustraliaThe ACT Government is using these findings to assess whether existing services reach children dealing with several difficulties at once, potentially shaping future policy.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 15 h ago
