In Switzerland, children’s educational outcomes continue to depend heavily on their socio-economic background. This is one of the key findings of the new UNICEF Report Card 20 on the wellbeing of children in high-income countries. Although Switzerland performs well overall in international comparisons, significant inequalities persist depending on children’s socio-economic circumstances.
The disparities are particularly visible in education outcomes. While 91 percent of adolescents from privileged households achieve basic proficiency levels, this figure drops to just 46 percent among adolescents from disadvantaged families. Switzerland therefore ranks among the countries with the largest educational gaps.
«The data clearly show that social background continues to play a decisive role in shaping children’s opportunities in Switzerland», said Désirée Zaugg, Child Rights and Policy Specialist at UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Inequalities affect children’s everyday lives
According to Report Card 20, inequalities extend beyond the classroom and shape many aspects of children’s daily lives. Adolescents from lower-income households report significantly lower levels of life satisfaction: 72 percent compared with 83 percent among their more privileged peers.
Differences are also visible in nutrition habits. Only 43 percent of disadvantaged adolescents eat vegetables daily, compared with 52 percent among adolescents from more advantaged households.
Children’s own perspectives further highlight these inequalities. «When there are financial problems, you do not have the same opportunities for leisure activities or school», said one child participating in a Swiss focus group.
Social protection only partially offsets unequal starting conditions
The analysis highlights a central challenge: while Switzerland’s social protection system helps prevent extreme material deprivation, it only partially compensates for unequal starting conditions. Social background therefore remains a decisive factor influencing children’s educational outcomes and living conditions.
At the same time, the situation has worsened in recent years. Over the past decade, both child poverty and income inequality in Switzerland have increased by more than 10 percent. Switzerland is therefore among the OECD countries showing the strongest rise in inequality.
Need for continued action
According to UNICEF, the findings show that further efforts are needed to ensure equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their socio-economic background.
