Children's Wellbeing Survey Insights: A Call for Action
Rachel de Souza, the Children's Commissioner for England, applauds over half a million children for participating in The Big Ask survey, revealing insights across six key subjects - from families to children's community needs and mental health priorities. The survey emphasizes the importance of family support, safe play spaces, and mental health resources for children's overall wellbeing. The call to action includes creating family hubs, enhancing online safety, and providing more mental health support in schools.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
The Big Ask | Children's Commissioner for England My name is Rachel de Souza and I am the Children s Commissioner for England. Earlier in the year I asked you to take part in the Big Ask survey. Over half a million of you took part. This makes it the largest survey of children in the world! So the first thing I want to say is thank you!
The Big Ask | Children's Commissioner for England I am so proud of you. The Big Ask survey has shown us you are brave, ambitious, determined, resilient. And you have fantastic ideas about how we can help you have bright and exciting futures. You showed us you have no intention of being defeated by covid. And you want to face challenges head on. But you need adults to help you. In this presentation I am going show you what you told us in the survey. And I m going to tell you what I think needs to be done to help you in the future.
I have divided what you told us into six subjects. They are:
Families I just want my family to be healthy and have enough money. What you told us: Girl, aged 8 You really care about families and home life Most children are happy with their families (80%) Children who are more unhappy at home are more likely to be unhappy in general What needs to be done Create more family hubs. These are places families can get help from lots of people in one place Make sure families get help early before things get too bad
Children and community We want places for kids to play and have fun things to do. Girl, aged 6 What you told us: You want England to be a fair place for all children Girls are more worried about their personal safety than boys You find the online world difficult and want more support You love being outside away from your screens and want places to play and have fun in What needs to be done Improve online safety Make sure children feel safe when they go outside More youth clubs offering loads of amazing activities
There needs to be more of a push towards physical fitness as it s a real motivation booster. Boy, aged 13 Children s wellbeing What you told us: You want to feel fit and healthy. And you understand the link between physical health and mental health. 80% of you said you were happy or OK with your mental health. Most of you said mental health would be a priority in your lives. Social media affects how you feel about yourself. What needs to be done More mental health support in schools. Digital mental health support - so more children can get support wherever and whenever they need it. Teach children about healthy diets and the importance of staying active.
Schools I am very lucky at my school to have amazing opportunities and people motivating me to do the best I can. Girl aged 13 What you told us: You like school! You want high quality support to help you with the work you have missed. Children with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) said that education was important to their future plans. What needs to be done More money given to schools. Opportunities to help you catch up with work after covid. Time after school for sports, learning and arts. Better rewards for teachers.
Work I am going to have a good career because I am determined of that from when I was 5 years old. Girl, aged 13 What you told us: You want to work hard and do well in life. You are ambitious, and many of you want to do jobs that help other people. You want more opportunities after school than just university. Some of you are worried that where you are from will affect your chances in life. What needs to be done More apprenticeships More high-quality career guidance More jobs available for 16-24 years olds
Children in care I know where I want to be in life and I know what I want to do Young person aged 21 What you told us: Children in care share the same goals in life as children who aren t care experienced. There were positive stories of the care system. But children supported by children s social care were 90% more likely to be unhappy generally in their lives than other children. The older children in care get the less they feel the care system can be relied upon. What needs to be done More money for children s homes, so children don t have to move far from their families. Better mental health support for children in care, especially in school. Better support when you leave care.
This is just the beginning! This is an amazing opportunity to think big after covid I want to hear from all of you throughout my time as children s commissioner. The Big Ask is the start of that journey. I will share what you have told us with the adults who are responsible for helping you. This includes government, charities and schools.
Find us at: www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk @childrenscomm
