Children Express Growing Concern Over Their Peers’ Ability to Celebrate Christmas Amid Rising Costs

A recent survey conducted by Action for Children has revealed that one in three young people in the UK are worried that their friends or classmates won’t be able to enjoy Christmas this year due to financial constraints. The charity’s findings highlight the deepening effects of the cost-of-living crisis on families, particularly those with young children.

The survey, which questioned 2,004 children between the ages of 8 and 18, found that 33% were concerned about their peers not receiving Christmas gifts, while 32% expressed fears that their friends wouldn’t be able to celebrate the holiday at all. In addition, 22% said that travel costs might prevent some children from visiting family over the festive period, and 30% feared that some families would struggle to keep their homes warm due to rising heating bills.

The charity’s CEO, Paul Carberry, said: “How can a child experience the magic of Christmas if they go to bed hungry and wake up cold?” He stressed the emotional toll of missing out on basic necessities like food and warmth, which can have long-lasting effects on children’s well-being.

Furthermore, the charity’s survey of 200 frontline workers revealed that three-quarters of those working directly with vulnerable families noted that financial pressures have worsened compared to the previous year. Rising food and energy costs were highlighted as the biggest challenges facing the families supported by these workers.

This survey follows broader concerns about the rise in child poverty across the UK. Data from the OECD indicates that more than 11% of UK teenagers have skipped meals in the last year due to a lack of money, a rate higher than the international average. Additionally, UNICEF’s recent report showed a worrying increase in child poverty in the UK, with the country ranked poorly compared to other developed nations.

In response to the findings, the Department for Work and Pensions highlighted recent government efforts, such as raising benefits and expanding free childcare, aimed at supporting struggling families. However, Action for Children has called for more targeted action to tackle child poverty and ensure that no child goes without the essentials needed to thrive.

To assist those in need, Action for Children has launched its Secret Santa campaign, urging the public to contribute by buying gifts or making donations to support vulnerable children throughout the year, not just at Christmas. Carberry called on both the government and the public to do more to address the challenges faced by children living in poverty, stating that more must be done to ensure that every child can experience a warm, happy holiday season.