The Commissioner for Children and Young People has launched the Speaking Out Survey aimed at gathering school students’ thoughts on everything from mental health to school attendance and feeling safe at home.
The Commissioner, Colin Pettit, said he expected around 15,000 students to take part, providing a valuable snapshot of the lives of young people in WA.
“A random sample of students from Years 4-to-12 from more than 100 schools across the State will share their views on safety, physical and mental health, engagement in education, connection to community, and life in the regions,” Mr Pettit said.
“The survey will also ask students about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
He said the Commission was in the unique position of being able to compare the data gathered in the 2019 survey to create a pre- and post-COVID snapshot of how young people were coping, and identify what support they needed.
“We recognise that the majority of children and young people in WA are faring well. However, many need support, and we want to better understand what young people themselves feel is and isn’t working well for them,” Mr Pettit said.
“The results of the Speaking Out Survey will highlight how young people see their lives and where services and support are needed.”
He said the survey findings would also help inform people working with children and young people across both Government and non-Government organisations.
“This includes the development of policy and programs to ensure the needs of children are met,” Mr Pettit said.
The survey will be conducted by the Commissioner’s staff through schools in the coming months. Its findings will be published in the second half of the year.
The survey can be accessed at this PS News link.
