In 2011, more than 49 percent of children in Romania were at risk of poverty and social exclusion, nearly double the EU average, according to information published by EU statistical office Eurostat yesterday (February 26 ). It was the second highest risk level in the EU after neighboring Bulgaria, where the rate was 52 percent. In both countries, as with the EU average, the risk of poverty or social exclusion among children under 18 was higher than in the general population – 49.1 percent against 40.3 percent among the general Romanian population.

The report shows the huge influence parental education level has on risk of poverty among children. Across the EU, nearly half of the children with low education level parents are at risk of poverty, while for a medium education level the figure falls to 22.4 percent. Children of highly educated parents have the lowest risk of poverty; some 7.5 percent on average in the 27 EU member states.

In Romania, the effect of parental education level on risk of child poverty is much more pronounced. More than 78 percent of children with low education level parents are deemed at risk, while the rate for those of medium education level parents is 27.3 percent, close to the EU average. The risk of poverty among children of highly educated parents in Romania is very low, just 1.8 percent.

editor@romania-insider.com

(photo source: sxc.hu)