Survey reveals pressure to provide tech for school

Rising prices amid the cost of living crisis are impacting families’ ability to cover tech expenses for education, a new survey has found.

The nationwide survey of more than 500 Irish parents found that 70% feel pressured to provide tech for school or education, with 88% expressing anxiety about annual increases in technology prices.

With back-to-school season now well underway, the rising cost of tech school supplies is resulting in a considerable financial burden for parents.

The survey, conducted by refurbed, an online marketplace for refurbished electrical devices, examined the requirement for tech in a school setting, the associated financial strain, and parents’ likelihood of purchasing a refurbished device.

The growing necessity for tech in education was highlighted, with 79% of people indicating that they require an electronic device for school or educational purposes, a 4% increase from a similar survey conducted by refurbed this time last year.

Such devices could include a tablet, phone, or laptop. Increased financial pressure on families was also noted, with a 13% rise in feelings of pressure to provide technology for education.

27% of parents seek financial aid to afford the necessary devices, the same figure as 2023, highlighting the ongoing strain on families’ budgets year-on-year.

When asked about the preferred condition of an electronic device for education, 70% of respondents said that they are more likely to purchase a refurbished tech device for school or university when made aware of the financial and sustainable benefits of purchasing refurbished tech, marking a 2% increase from 2023.

Refurbished tech also now steals market share from new tech for Irish educational purposes, rising by 5% year-on-year, vs an 8% drop in Irish parents buying new tech. Falling far behind in third place is secondhand tech, with Irish parents over three times likely to choose refurbished devices. This represents Irish consumers' growing appetite for sustainable products, particularly when offered substantial cost savings during an increasingly expensive time of the year.

The survey also revealed parents’ spending plans for their back-to-school budget. 21% are ready to pay between €101 and €200, 27% between €201-€300, 17% between €300-€400, 15% between €400-€500 and 16% open to purchasing a device for over €500. Tech spending constitutes a large portion of parents' back-to-school budgets, which also cover costs of uniforms, books, transport, and insurance.

Pádraig Power, Senior Marketing Manager: Global Operations & Ireland at refurbed said: “The continued cost of living crisis becomes even more pertinent during the back-to-school season. This financial pressure impacts the majority of families, particularly with tech becoming increasingly essential in education. We are pleased to offer a more affordable solution to parents, to help ease their cost of living efforts.

“We enable parents to save up to 40% on devices for school or university which can constitute a cost saving of upwards of over €1,000 per child in some cases, while also making a positive environmental impact by contributing to the circular economy.”

He added: “The refurbished tech sector in Ireland is experiencing massive growth. As consumers become more aware of the negative effects of electronic waste, while being presented with budget friendly and environmentally sound alternatives, we are proud to provide them with a sustainable choice; both financially and environmentally."

To date, Irish customers have saved 270,000 tonnes of CO2, 900 tonnes of e-waste, and 95 billion litres of water from buying refurbished devices.