Statewide snapshot of young people’s wellbeing

School students from across WA will be asked to share their views on health, safety and wellbeing in WA’s first Speaking Out Survey.

Commissioner for Children and Young People Colin Pettit said the survey results would create a snapshot into the daily lives of WA young people.

“A random sample of students from Years 4 to 12 from approximately 150 schools across the state will share their views on safety, physical and mental health, engagement in education, connection to community, experiences of poverty and how they access sources of support,” Mr Pettit said.

“While we know that most children and young people in WA are faring well, many need support and we want to better understand what young people themselves feel is and isn’t working well in their lives.”

Mr Pettit said his school and learning consultation with 1,800 WA young people released last year had provided important data on what helps them to stay engaged at school and identified key areas of concern.

“I expect that the Speaking Out Survey will provide similar insights across a broader range of issues, giving a strong indication of how young people see their lives and where services and supports are needed.”

The survey will be conducted by the Commissioner’s staff through schools in the coming months, followed by data analysis by the Telethon Kids Institute.

Mr Pettit acknowledged funding contributions from the Departments of Communities, Education, Health and Justice for the survey.

“The information gathered in the Speaking Out Survey will provide valuable information for anyone working with children and young people, across government and non-government organisations,” Mr Pettit said.

There are around 593,000 children and young people under the age of 18 living in Western Australia – representing almost one quarter of the total state population.

The findings from the Speaking Out Survey will be published in early 2020.