With the imminent start of the school year, parents in the Czech Republic are facing the daunting task of procuring new tech devices for their children. Data from the retailer Datart reveals that sales of mobile phones and laptops have surged by approximately ten percent in the latter half of the summer compared to July.

For younger children, parents typically opt for basic models, priced between four to seven thousand Czech koruna. While some parents attempt to regulate their children’s screen time and delay purchasing mobile phones, others opt for smartwatches as a lower-risk alternative.

For secondary and university students, laptops are the most common acquisition, with prices ranging from ten to twenty thousand koruna. Datart anticipates even higher turnover in laptop sales next year, considering that laptops in this category typically have an average lifespan of three to four years.

However, the escalating cost of back-to-school tech is causing concern for many families. According to a survey conducted by the online supermarket Košík.cz, most families fear they will exceed their budget this year. Families with first-graders typically set a budget limit of 3500 koruna, but 64 percent of them believe they will not be able to stay within that budget. Parents of second and third graders anticipate spending around 2700 koruna, while parents of older students may allocate up to 4300 koruna.

These expenditure estimates do not include the cost of other essential items like electronics and study materials. Furthermore, the rising prices of school supplies add to the financial burden, with backpacks, pencil cases, and writing supplies seeing price increases of up to ten percent.

Despite the challenges, some families may be eligible for financial support. The Czech government offers assistance to families in need to purchase school supplies, with detailed information available on the government’s website.

As technology continues to play an integral role in education, it has become an increasingly significant expense for families in the Czech Republic. Consequently, it is crucial for parents to plan ahead and budget wisely to ensure that their children have the requisite tools for success in the classroom, all while grappling with the financial pressures of back-to-school shopping.

Article by Prague Forum