Gender gap in pocket money for chores

The gender pay gap extends to children’s household chores, with boys being rewarded with more cash than girls, a survey suggests.

Boys typically receive £6.99 for chores while girls can expect £4.67, says the study by Santander. Boys also get more than girls for good behaviour at school – £8.28 compared to £4.18.

More than three-quarters (77per cent) of parents provide children with a basic amount of pocket money – forking out £18.36 on average.

Many will also offer children extra incentives. Nearly a third (32per cent) say they pay children for household chores, while 18 per cent reward good behaviour at school, the survey found.

Eighteen per cent of parents take money away if chores are not done, and 15 per cent will fine children for bad behaviour at school.

The research, which highlighted Santander’s 123 mini current account for children and young people, involved a survey of more than 500 people including parents as well as children aged five to 15.