Daily Express

Back-to-school bill hits modern parents hard

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KITTING out schoolchil­dren is an increasing­ly expensive task, with families spending a small fortune on modern accessorie­s.

Yesterday saw many return to class with the average 15 or 16-year-old carrying items worth £392 in their backpacks.

This rises to £652 for 17 and 18-year-olds, according to insurer Policy Expert.

Laptops, tablets and phones are typical kit that they carry, along with watches and cash.

Parents are packing off their children with expensive gadgets even though a third have lost an item taken to school, a fifth have suffered damage and 8 per cent have had something stolen.

Policy Expert operations director Adam Powell said the average school uniform costs £122 on top, while sports kit and musical instrument­s add to the bill: “If sending your child to school with high-cost items, check if ‘away from home’ cover is included in your home contents policy.”

University students take six times the gear their parents carried, according to research from insurer NFU Mutual.

The vast majority will take a laptop and a smartphone, a gadget that did not exist when their parents studied.

NFU’s home and contents insurance specialist Ian Flower said these pricey items needs to be protected.

Some home insurers may cover your child’s possession­s while away, for an extra premium but others will not.

Flower added: “Some might want to consider specialist student contents insurance that includes accidental damage.”

 ??  ?? BAGS OF FUN: Children are taking more and more possession­s to school, including some high-cost items
BAGS OF FUN: Children are taking more and more possession­s to school, including some high-cost items

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