Surge in families renting puts more children at risk of housing insecurity
There has been a 20 per cent jump in Australian children growing up in rental households this century, with this group facing an average of six moves by aged 14, according to a new research paper.
A recent study by researchers at Adelaide University has highlighted that children living in private rental housing are more likely to experience housing insecurity, moving on average every 2.3 years by age 14 and up to six times by that age in private rental homes. This trend has intensified as Australia's housing affordability crisis has driven a 20 percent increase in children growing up in private rentals between 2001 and 2023.
The study, led by Amy Clair, examined comprehensive and long-term datasets to determine the impact of this crisis on children's development, physical health, and mental wellbeing. The research revealed that while children in private rental housing face a higher risk of financial stress and poor living conditions, only seven percent of households with children rent out of preference, with more than half citing financial constraints and the need for a housing deposit.
The study emphasizes the need for better data collection and policy action to prioritize children's housing needs, potentially through routine collection of affordability stress indicators by maternal and child health services, early childhood education providers, schools, and primary care services.
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