Families sacrifice food and school uniforms over internet
Families are more prepared to sacrifice food and school uniforms than access to the internet in the recession, according to a survey.
The Digital Families report found technology is no longer a discretionary household expenditure and 11 million families are prioritising access to the internet over food and utility bills.
The study commissioned by O2 questioned 500 families on the items they are reluctant to cut back on in the credit crunch. Over half, 67 per cent, chose the internet compared to items such as school uniforms (59 per cent), family holidays (30 per cent) and the weekly food shop (24 per cent).
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Despite the credit crunch, families are reluctant to cut back on technology and 40 per cent of parents claim that technology purchases and subscriptions account for 10 per cent of the household budget, an estimated £3,000 per year, according to the research by ICM.
Similarly, the findings identified that UK households now on average have 2.4 televisions, 1.6 computers, 2.4 games consoles, 3 mobile phones and 2.2 MP3 players. With digital technology now present in every room in the house, only one in 10 (9 per cent) of parents admitted that they find it intimidating.
According to the report, families will still look to buy technology in a tough economic climate, but will be more price-conscious. 57 per cent of families said they will still look to buy the latest gadgets if they are affordable.
One in three parents claim access to email and the internet on the move makes it easier to balance work and family responsibilities – only 6 per cent said it made it harder.
Half of parents, 51 per cent, said they say they play computer games together in a typical week and over one third will sit down and surf the net together. Similarly, around one in five parents are using social networks to keep in touch with immediate (19 per cent) and extended (22 per cent) family members.
Bob Tyrell, a social analyst who compiled the report said: “How parents control technology is key to maintaining work-life balance.
“Many may argue that the ability to stay in touch with work means we never completely switch off and relax, but the verdict from our report shows this does not weigh too heavily with parents.”
Content courtesy of: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/technologynews/5277523/Families-sacrifice-food-and-school-uniforms-over-internet.html
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