Survey for Jersey children to include social media for first time

A comprehensive survey designed to capture the multifaceted lives of Jersey’s young people will, for the first time, delve into their experiences with social media and the burgeoning world of generative artificial intelligence. The 2026 Children and Young People’s Survey, scheduled to run from 5 to 16 October, will be offered to students from Year 4 through to Year 12 across the island. This voluntary and anonymous survey, accessible online, promises to provide Statistics Jersey with an unprecedented and "vital insight" into the contemporary challenges and opportunities facing children and adolescents.

The inclusion of questions specifically addressing social media platforms and AI tools marks a significant evolution for the survey, which has historically focused on broader aspects of young people’s health, wellbeing, and school life. Officials are keen to understand the frequency and nature of social media usage, as well as engagement with rapidly developing generative AI technologies. This forward-looking approach acknowledges the profound impact these digital tools are having on the daily lives, learning, and social interactions of young individuals.

Ian Cope, the Chief Statistician at Statistics Jersey, emphasized the survey’s crucial role in informing policy and improving 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 stated. He elaborated that the new questions regarding social media, generative AI, caring responsibilities, and food security are designed to "build a more complete picture of the opportunities and challenges facing young people today." This collaborative approach, involving young people in the design process, underscores a commitment to making the survey relevant and impactful.

Beyond the digital realm, the survey will continue to explore essential aspects of childhood and adolescence. It will investigate whether young people have significant caring responsibilities within their families, a factor that can profoundly influence their wellbeing and educational attainment. Furthermore, the survey will assess food security, examining whether children have sufficient access to nutritious food on a daily basis. These fundamental questions are crucial for understanding the baseline living conditions and potential vulnerabilities of the island’s youth.

The data gathered from this extensive survey will be instrumental for the Government of Jersey. The findings will serve as a cornerstone for evidence-based decision-making, enabling policymakers to develop and refine initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of children and young people. Whether it’s improving mental health support, bolstering educational resources, or addressing socioeconomic disparities, the survey results will provide the empirical foundation for targeted interventions.

The 2026 survey builds upon the success of its predecessor, the 2024 survey, which saw impressive participation rates. In 2024, response rates were exceptionally high, with 87% of students in Years 4 and 8 participating, 84% in Years 6 and 10, and 78% in Year 12. A total of 4,360 children took part in that survey, demonstrating a strong willingness among young people and their families to contribute to this important data-gathering exercise. This high engagement rate suggests a community that values the insights gained from such surveys and recognizes their potential to drive positive change.

The commitment to accessibility and understanding extends to the reporting of the survey results. The final report is anticipated to be published in Spring 2027. Crucially, this will be accompanied by a child-friendly version of the report, specifically tailored for schools. This initiative ensures that the findings are not only accessible to policymakers and professionals but also comprehensible and engaging for the young people who participated and for their educators, fostering a sense of ownership and understanding of the issues identified.

The inclusion of social media and AI in the survey reflects a broader societal trend and the evolving landscape of childhood. As digital natives, today’s children are immersed in online environments from an early age. Understanding their interactions, the pressures they face online, and the potential benefits and risks associated with these platforms is paramount. Questions about social media usage may explore the types of platforms used, the duration of engagement, the nature of online interactions, and experiences with cyberbullying or online safety. Similarly, questions about generative AI could gauge awareness, usage patterns, and perceptions of this rapidly advancing technology.

The potential impact of generative AI on education, creativity, and critical thinking is a growing concern. By including these questions, Statistics Jersey is proactively seeking to understand how young people are engaging with these tools and what implications this might have for their learning and development. This foresight allows for the development of strategies to harness the positive aspects of AI while mitigating potential negative consequences.

Furthermore, the survey’s continued focus on caring responsibilities and food security highlights an ongoing commitment to addressing fundamental aspects of child welfare. Caring responsibilities, often undertaken by older siblings or children with parents who have chronic illnesses or disabilities, can place significant burdens on young people, affecting their schooling, social lives, and mental health. Understanding the prevalence and impact of these responsibilities is essential for providing appropriate support services.

Food security remains a critical indicator of wellbeing. Inadequate access to food can lead to a host of health problems, developmental issues, and academic challenges. By continuing to monitor food security, Statistics Jersey can identify families and children who may be experiencing hardship and ensure that support systems are in place to address these needs.

The voluntary nature of the survey is designed to encourage honest and open responses. Participants are assured of anonymity, which is crucial for eliciting truthful information on sensitive topics. This trust-building approach is fundamental to the integrity and validity of the data collected. The survey’s online format further enhances accessibility, allowing students to complete it in a comfortable and familiar environment.

The partnership with students in shaping the survey’s content is a testament to a modern, child-centered approach to data collection. By actively involving young people, the survey is more likely to resonate with their experiences and concerns, leading to more accurate and meaningful data. This collaborative spirit is key to ensuring that the survey truly reflects the lived realities of Jersey’s children and young people.

In conclusion, the 2026 Children and Young People’s Survey represents a significant step forward in understanding the evolving lives of Jersey’s youth. The groundbreaking inclusion of social media and generative AI, coupled with continued focus on core welfare indicators, will provide an invaluable dataset. This information will empower the Government of Jersey to implement effective policies and services, ultimately contributing to a brighter and more supportive future for all young people on the island. The commitment to transparency and accessibility, through detailed reports and child-friendly summaries, ensures that the insights gained will be widely understood and utilized for the benefit of the entire community.