The Effects of Child Poverty

Child poverty has a fundamental influence on the life chances of the next generation. For example, poor children are more likely to have a low birth weight, to leave school early and to start smoking and drinking at a young age.

The longer a child is poor, the greater the impact on the life chances of the child and subsequent deprivation in later life.

Living in poverty means children are excluded from certain activities because they do not have enough income, for example school outings and socialising with friends.

Educational disadvantage affects children’s life chances and their chance to fulfil their potential. Read Aine's story

Living in substandard accommodation can cause ill-health for children, and for Traveller children leads to lower birth weights and higher infant mortality rates than for the settled community. Read a Traveller Family’s story

Living in informal accommodation affects children’s schooling, health and their ability to maintain friendships. Read John's story.

When families do not have enough money to pay doctors bills, children may not have access to healthcare or parents have to cut back on other essential items. Read Aoife's & Michael's story.

Living in poverty is stressful and upsetting, and can make family life very difficult. Read Mary's story.

But child poverty can be eliminated.