Survey for Jersey children to include social media for first time

A survey for young people on topics including health, wellbeing, school life and social media is set to open in October.

Statistics Jersey said the survey would be offered to students from Year 4 to Year 12 and would run from 5 to 16 October. It said the 2026 Children and Young People's Survey was voluntary, anonymous and could be completed online.

Officials said it would be the first time the survey would ask participants about social media apps and generative AI tools, including how often they use them.

Chief statistician Ian Cope said it provided a "vital insight" into the lives of children and young people on the island.

Statistics Jersey said it would explore whether young people had caring responsibilities and enough food for each day.

It said the results would be used across the Government of Jersey to inform policy and improve services.

"We have worked directly with students this year to help shape the content, ensuring it reflects the issues that matter most to them," Cope added.

"New questions on social media, generative AI, caring responsibilities and food security will help build a more complete picture of the opportunities and challenges facing young people today."

The final report is due to be published in Spring 2027, officials said, alongside a child-friendly version for schools.

Statistics Jersey said the last survey, carried out in 2024, achieved strong participation.

Response rates were 87% for Years 4 and 8, 84% for Years 6 and 10, and 78% for Year 12, with 4,360 children taking part, it said.

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Survey to give children a say on social issues