Parents urged to be cautious when buying back-to-school items

The Consumers’ Association has urged parents to shop around for back-to-school supplies as prices vary widely on the market.

A survey conducted by the association online and in stores found that the price of a school bag starts at €3.99 and can go up to €209.95, depending on size, design and brand.

The prices of pencil cases range from €0.79 to €51.40, while the prices of pencils, pens and markers range from €0.13 to €14.99.

The prices of exercise books and notebooks range from €0.39 to €9.99, while the prices of folders range from €0.30 to €5.95.

As for school uniforms, the prices of shirts (including discounts) range from €3.99 to €29.50, the prices of trousers range from €6 to €26, and the prices of skirts range from €11.50 to €25.

The survey showed that the price of student backpacks has dropped by about 20% compared with the same period last year, while the prices of markers, pencils, pens and folders have increased significantly, with the cheapest prices rising by 30-50%.

The association said the period of shopping for school supplies is an opportunity to teach children how to navigate the market maze, how to avoid advertising traps and unnecessary consumption.

This requires planning, market research and price comparison by parents.

The association recommends making and keeping a list of items needed for the start of the new school year and calls on parents to help their children understand that “there is a big difference between what they really need for school and what they think they need for school.”

It also advises parents to check whether products are appropriate for their children’s age, noting that for health and safety reasons it is best to prevent young children from buying school supplies that look like or even taste like food.

It is also recommended to choose a backpack based on the student’s strength, weight, and body shape.

Parents also need to ask the retailer about the return policy at the time of purchase.

Complaints about misleading offers and other consumer issues can be made to the association via telephone 22516112 or email (email protected)Or call the consumer hotline 1429.