After dropping a sum equivalent to a monthly mortgage on school supplies for my kids, I feel a lot of frustration. And I’m not alone in this.

The escalating expenses for school supplies are putting a strain on my family’s finances. While talking to my friends, I discovered they too had spent over $1,000 getting ready for school.

What used to be an enjoyable yearly tradition for parents signaling the summer’s end has turned into a costly task.

Over the past ten years, the price of school supplies has been consistently rising. As reported by the National Retail Federation, families with kids in elementary through high school are predicted to spend around $875 this year on clothing, footwear, school supplies, and electronics. This figure is down from last year’s peak of $890, but it still represents almost a $200 increase per family since 2019.

So, what’s causing this? Factors include supply chain issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and various marketing strategies. Furthermore, costs are heavily affected by political decisions regarding education funding and tax laws. All of this contributes to the financial burden that families, especially those with lower incomes, are facing.

Look for free back-to-school events in your community

Every year, before I start my school shopping, I seek out local organizations that organize back-to-school events for families in need.

In my area, there are at least three significant events where children can receive essential back-to-school supplies, haircuts, and access to additional community resources like dental and medical services. While these events are incredibly helpful, they don’t cover all my children’s needs, yet they do lessen the total amount I have to spend on supplies.

As a parent of both a teen and a preteen, I recognize that my kids desire all the trendy items they see on social media. The marketing aimed at children online is rampant and even infiltrates electronic gaming.

This increased commercialization around back-to-school shopping has created a greater demand from students for branded and trendy items, which inevitably cost more. Kids now feel pressured to acquire popular brands and character-themed supplies to fit in with their peers.

Requiring tablets, laptops push up school costs

The rise in school supply costs can also be attributed to the tech-oriented classroom. Nowadays, many schools require students to have costly electronic devices like laptops and tablets, which exacerbates the financial strain on parents preparing their children for school.

Supply and demand have historically had a significant impact on pricing. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a slowdown in production and shipping, causing shortages and heightening transport costs. We continue to feel the effects of these supply chain disruptions, which have reduced the availability of numerous goods, including school supplies.

To make matters worse, government regulations and tariffs influence international trade and transport, resulting in increased costs across a variety of products.

The escalating prices of school supplies are more than just a financial issue; they are intricately linked with politics. Local and state governments determine public school funding, and insufficient funds often force schools to rely more heavily on parents to supply essential items.

States like Florida offer tax-free shopping days

Tax regulations also have a significant impact on how much families end up spending on these supplies. While some states, like Florida, where I reside, provide tax-free days for school supplies, others do not, leaving parents responsible for not just the base price of the items but also the added sales taxes on their purchases.

Furthermore, reductions in government programs designed to support low-income families may worsen the financial burdens during the back-to-school period.

The increase in school supply costs is a complex issue influenced by inflation and supply chain challenges, but it is also shaped by political decisions and policies that determine the impact of the school year on a family’s finances.

As the financial pressure on parents continues to rise, it’s essential to acknowledge that not every family can simply adapt, work harder, or find a way to manage their finances. All children, regardless of their family’s income, should have access to the necessary educational tools.

While the expense of school supplies frustrates me, I am able to afford them for my children. For many other families, the skyrocketing costs of these supplies Not only does this affect their family’s financial situation, but it can also have a negative impact on their children’s educational journey.

Marla Bautista is a military fellow columnist at YSL News Opinion.