Due to the pandemic and inflation, child poverty in Vienna is increasing rapidly. For every third child, hunger and disease are no strangers.
With an inflation rate of more than nine percent, it is not surprising that many Vienna have less and less in their pockets. The number of poor is increasing rapidly and more and more children are affected. Volkshilfe therefore demands a basic child protection of 625 euros per month.
To scientifically prove its effectiveness, a team led by director Erich Fenninger guided families at risk of poverty for two years and, depending on family income, took over basic safety for children. Now there are first results.
„krone“: Mr. Fenninger, how can one imagine child poverty?
Eric Fenninger: Poverty manifests itself on different levels. On the one hand, there are the living rooms: they are usually too cold and very spartanly furnished. Children always get the nicest place in the family, but that can also just be a mattress. Thanks to the latest research, we know that food is now also an issue in Austria. At the end of the month, many kids talk about “toast time” — when the money isn’t enough for something else. No one here can talk about healthy eating. This in turn has health implications. Our research shows that 90 percent of affected children are often sick. Chronic illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches are the order of the day. This leads to more school absenteeism.
So one cannot speak of an individual private problem?
A long-term study from Germany over 25 years shows that if we don’t fight poverty, we will create tomorrow’s unemployment. Children who have grown up in poverty are thus formed at an early age – we also speak of “learning to live poor”. These children do not feel that they can get out of this situation through a longer education or an interesting job. Poverty demands perspectives and confidence. This leads to enormous follow-up costs for the welfare state, the labor market and the health system. Poverty reduction would therefore be in the interest of the national economy.
Their solution is a basic child protection of 625 euros per child and month. That is a lot of money. How can you be sure that the children also benefit from it?
A major problem in our welfare state is the lack of transparency. Only a few have an overview of where and what support is available. Our approach would be basic child safety, combining all state aid. Regarding abuse: Most parents save on themselves first rather than on their children. And when the kids do better, so do the parents. This gives them more time to do regular work.
And what effects did you observe in the field test?
No exaggeration: children and parents thrive. With a little more money, health improves, and thus school performance, and there are also social contacts, both for children and adults. Families can participate in life again. It’s good for the psyche. If we change the system now, we will have fewer unemployed in ten years’ time because training pathways become longer and more skilled workers are available on the labor market.
How much is it?
An estimated EUR 700 million per year due to harmonization.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
