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Most parents said they had spoken to their children about bullying and consent, but a third (34 per cent) had not discussed alcohol or drugs, with a further 39 per cent responding “that\u2019s the school\u2019s job”<\/p>\nParents were asked what they spend on groceries, and a quarter said they spend more than \u20ac200 a week, with 37 per cent spending between \u20ac150 and \u20ac200Most parents said they had spoken to their children about bullying and consent, but a third (34 per cent) had not discussed alcohol or drugs, with a further 39 per cent responding “that\u2019s the school\u2019s job”<\/p>\n
Around a quarter of parents<\/a> are struggling financially with the costs of raising a family, a survey has found.<\/p>\n Parents were asked what they spend on groceries<\/a>, and a quarter said they spend more than \u20ac200 a week, with 37 per cent spending between \u20ac150 and \u20ac200.<\/p>\n Of the families who had accessed mental health<\/a> supports, over half found them to be poor or terrible, while 45 per cent of families who accessed special needs<\/a> assessments found them to be inadequate.<\/p>\n An online survey of 1,878 parents of school<\/a>-going children across Ireland was carried out by Schooldays.ie, a resource for parents and educators.<\/p>\n It found that parents were concerned about mental health support, finances and children\u2019s access online.<\/p>\n Over a quarter of parents (28 per cent) reported that their child had been assessed for specialist educational needs, with only 8 per cent rating the assessment and support process as excellent.<\/p>\n 20 per cent of parents said the services were poor and a further 25 per cent said they were very poor.<\/p>\n A similar percentage (28 per cent) said their child has needed mental health services such as counselling or psychiatric support.<\/p>\n Of those who used those services, 58.7 per cent rated their experience as poor or terrible, and more than 61 per cent reported waiting six months or longer.<\/p>\n In relation to the internet, the majority of parents believe children should be given their first phone when they are aged 11\u201315, with 55 per cent selecting 13 as the appropriate age.<\/p>\n A majority support restrictions or outright bans on phones during the school day (72 per cent).<\/p>\n Most parents said they had spoken to their children about bullying and consent, but a third (34 per cent) had not discussed alcohol<\/a> or drugs<\/a>, with a further 39 per cent responding “that\u2019s the school\u2019s job”.<\/p>\n The cost of living was also a concern, with 23 per cent of households struggling financially amid rising energy, grocery and back-to-school costs.<\/p>\n Asked what they would introduce if they were Taoiseach<\/a>, 40 per cent said free healthcare<\/a> for all, 21 per cent said housing for all, 11 per cent said free childcare and 16 per cent said “other”.<\/p>\n The survey also found that parenting styles have focused on a more balanced and connected approach, with almost 77 per cent of parents saying they typically discipline by talking things through rather than using punishment.<\/p>\n Almost half of parents said their family eat dinner together every day, with a further 40 per cent doing so a few times a week.<\/p>\n Psychologist and parenting<\/a> expert Dr Mary O\u2019Kane said the use of conversation rather than physical punishment is linked to better emotional outcomes for children and eating meals together creates a sense of connection.<\/p>\n “I am also heartened by how many families are still sharing regular meals together,” she said.<\/p>\n “Sitting around the table may seem simple, but it plays a powerful role in building communication skills, resilience and a strong sense of belonging.\u201d<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0_GettyImages-2175454420.jpg\")
An online survey of 1,878 parents of school-going children across Ireland was carried out by Schooldays.ie, a resource for parents and educators<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0_GettyImages-1447093656.jpg\")
In relation to the internet, the majority of parents believe children should be given their first phone when they are aged 11\u201315<\/p>\n