he 31% of Argentine families with children and teenagers cannot cover their current expenses with their monthly income, According to the results of the ninth rapid survey of UNICEF in Argentina, corresponding to the first half of 2025.
The data reflects a A significant improvement compared to the same period in 2024, when the figure reached 48%. Relief is seen most strongly in the most vulnerable sectors, where incomes are showing a moderate recovery after years of decline.
Improvement occurs in a context in which… The persistent poverty rate among children was 46.1%, representing a decrease of 21 percentage points Compared to the first half of 2024, according to the Permanent Household Survey (EPH-INDEC). As for extreme poverty, it decreased to 10.2%, a decrease of 17 points.
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“The results of this new wave are showing Fragile progress in poverty reduction But also the challenges that must be addressed while prioritizing the overall agenda to strengthen and accelerate this trend,” said the UNICEF Representative in Argentina. Rafael Ramirez Messick.
More debt
But the report warns that Household debt rose eight points last yearup to 31% of households (through bank loans, cards, lenders or ANSES). If loans via virtual wallets, applications or informal channels are included, the percentage rises to 45%.
The increase in debt is mainly concentrated in… Central sectorsFour out of ten families have stopped paying for some services, and 16% are facing difficulties in paying credit cards. Moreover, one in ten families had to do so Opt out of prepaid health coverage or change your children’s schools For economic reasons.
He stated that “the challenge, within the framework of controlling public financial conditions, lies in maintaining the social protection efforts that allowed this improvement.” Sebastian WeisgrisSpecialist in Social Inclusion and Monitoring at UNICEF Argentina. As he explained, recent developments are related to the inflationary slowdown and policies e.g Comprehensive child allowance and Nutrition benefit.
The survey shows a rather encouraging picture regarding the ability of families to cover childhood-related expenses. It is increasingly possible for families to buy supplies and clothing and pay for leisure activities, while families have to do so Restricting meals due to lack of money Their percentage decreased from 52% to 30%.
Access to basic services has also improved: the proportion of families who cannot go to a doctor or dentist due to lack of resources has decreased by eight points.
Concern about non-compliance with quotas and the well-being of adolescents
The study warns that Failure to adhere to food rations It still affects 52% of mothers who should receive it, with no significant differences in recent years. UNICEF warns that this non-compliance directly affects children’s well-being and development.
Regarding the level of adolescents’ well-being, the study recorded a An alarming increase in cases of bullying in schoolsThe rate rose from 25% to 41%, affecting nearly one million children. Moreover, for the first time, research has been conducted on Betting online: Four out of ten teens bet money in the past month.
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