Child poverty in Germany: Facts and solutions for a fairer future

Child poverty in Germany: Facts and solutions for a fairer future

According to a report by welt.de, almost 90 percent of all children in Germany live above the poverty line, which is better compared to other countries such as Great Britain, Austria and the USA. Nevertheless, there are different figures and discussions about child poverty and the family minister's demands for twelve billion euros for basic child welfare. There is relative poverty, but almost no one is absolutely poor in Germany, thanks to the welfare state. A Bertelsmann study shows that most children at risk of poverty in Germany have basic living conditions and receive a warm meal. However, many of them lack certain amenities such as cars, restaurants, vacations and furniture. Many also don't have their own room or internet access. It is important to note that our expectations are increasing and parents want their children to do better than they did. Education plays a crucial role in this. Children from families at risk of poverty often fail in school and are therefore faced with poorly paid or no work at all. However, it is wrong to assume that intelligence is the cause of poverty. Poverty rates vary from country to country and do not depend on intelligence. The introduction of basic child benefits can help ensure that all parents receive a fixed amount and that those with higher incomes pay this back through taxes. Prioritizing the needs of children, particularly in relation to education, should be a priority. There is a discrepancy between priorities in the federal budget, where the largest amount goes to labor and social issues, while education and research are neglected. There is a lack of a national action plan to reduce the number of young people leaving school without a qualification. It is time for the government to rethink its priorities and support children's education to give them better opportunities for advancement.