Students invited to have their say in Speaking Out Survey 2021

School students’ thoughts on everything from mental health to school attendance and feeling safe at home will be captured in the Speaking Out Survey.

The survey is undertaken by the Commissioner for Children and Young People, and around 15,000 students across WA will take part this year.

Commissioner Colin Pettit said the survey will provide a valuable snapshot of the lives of young people.

“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,” said Mr Pettit.

“The survey will also ask students about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“We are in the unique position of being able to compare the data we gathered in our 2019 survey to create a pre- and post-COVID snapshot of how young people are coping, and identify what support they need.

“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.

“The results of the Speaking Out Survey will highlight how young people see their lives and where services and supports are needed.

“The survey findings will help inform people working with children and young people - across both government and non-government organisations - and 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.

There are around 610,000 children and young people under the age of 18 living in Western Australia – representing almost one quarter of the total state population. The survey findings will be published in the second half of 2021.