WATCH: High costs for Italian families as children head back to school

Roughly 7 million students from elementary and high school are starting the new school year in Italy. It's only the first day, and families have already spent a considerable amount on school supplies.

School expenses have been on the rise, and this year, Italian families have spent around seven per cent more on school equipment in comparison to last year.

Book prices alone increased by 18 per cent compared to the previous year. As a result, buying secondhand books is becoming a more common practice in many Italian households.

Additional to supplies, parents must also calculate other expenses, such as school canteen meals, extracurricular activities, and school trips, into their budget.

Watch the video in the player above to find out more.