Leisure activities income-related

Children from low-income families less often participated in club activities than children from high-income families in 2006. They also went on holiday less often. The gap between high and low-income families with respect to recreational activities has narrowed in 2006 relative to 2004.

Number of children in low-income families stable

In 2005, 429 thousand children lived in low-income families. The number of children living in low-income families has been stable in recent years. In 2000, the number of children growing up in low-income families was significantly higher. After revision of the tax system in 2001, the number of low-income families fell dramatically.

0 to 17-year-old children in low-income households

Participation in club activities

In 2006, only 54 percent of children from low-income families participated in club activities, as against 72 percent of children living in high-income families. There was no difference between children from low and high-income families with respect to sports participation. Both groups equally often went to museums.

The differences between children from high and low-income families had increased marginally in 2004. Children from low-income households less often participated in club and sports activities. They also went to museums less often.

Leisure activities of 4 to 17-year-old children by family income position

Less frequently on holiday

In 2006, more than 68 percent of children from low-income families went on holiday at least once a year, as against 86 percent of children from families living above the low-income level. These proportions have hardly changed compared to 2004.

4 to 17-year-old children going on holiday at least once a year

Linda Moonen