Children and young people having a voice in the pandemic

Children and young people in Jersey are being encouraged to complete a survey to share their thoughts and feelings about the coronavirus pandemic.

The confidential survey, which is a collaborative project between the Government of Jersey’s Department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills and the Children’s Commissioner, will give children and young people a chance to comment on their experiences so that ongoing support can be tailored to meet their needs.

Those completing the detailed survey will answer questions relating to their family and environment, education and resources, physical and mental health, and their rights.

Children and young people can share their thoughts and feelings on a range of topics, from the impact coronavirus has had on their friendships to their experiences of home learning.

Children and young people can complete the survey themselves or, depending on their age, with the help of parents and carers.

The Children’s Minister, Senator Sam Mézec, said: “We want to know how all children and young people are feeling during this uncertain and worrying time. We want to understand the impact that the coronavirus pandemic is having on their lives. With this survey, we can hear directly from children and young people about their experiences, their concerns and their support networks so that we can respond in the most beneficial way.”

Education Minister, Senator Tracey Vallois, added: “It is vital that we hear directly from children and young people about their experiences, particularly how the school closures have affected them. We would really like children and young people to take this opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings. I hope that parents and carers will get involved by encouraging their children to complete the survey themselves or help younger children to answer the questions that are relevant for their age group.”

The Children’s Commissioner, Deborah McMillan, commented: “This is a very disruptive time and we are acutely aware that children and young people already have a lot of challenges to face and adjustments to make. However, if you can spare the time to fill out this simple survey, it will help us to make sure that your views are taken into account when the government makes decisions that affect your lives.

“The only way for us to properly understand how this pandemic is affecting you is for you to tell us directly. Filling out this survey is the best way of achieving that. We look forward to hearing from you.”

The survey is available here https://survey.gov.je/s/Coronavirus_survey/ and the closing date is Friday, 8 May 2020