Survey launched to gather pandemic experiences of under 18s

Children and young people aged between seven and 18 can take part in a new survey that has been launched to gather their experiences of the coronavirus pandemic and how it has affected them.

The Coronavirus and Me survey, which was launched on Wednesday (May 13), covers topics such as health, education and the impact the pandemic has had on social aspects of life, as well as the needs of specific groups.

The survey has been written by Welsh Government, the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Children in Wales and the Youth Parliament for Wales, with help from children and young people.

The survey will close on Wednesday, May 27.

According to the Children’s Commissioner for Wales website, the results gathered in the survey will be used by the bodies involved to make sure children and young people have “everything [they] need to stay happy, healthy and safe”.

The survey, which is expected to take around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, will not ask participants for their names, and not every question needs to be answered.

Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Professor Sally Holland, said: “We’re fortunate to have a Government in Wales committed to children’s rights and are eager to listen to children’s views at a time when they need to listen the most.”

Hefin David, MS for Caerphilly, has encouraged people to take part in the survey.

He said: “The impacts of the coronavirus has meant life for working-age adults has changed immeasurably, but it was important to also consider the impacts on children of school age, so long as the medical evidence supports it.

“Young people throughout the Caerphilly constituency have faced big changes due to the coronavirus pandemic. The interactions that seven to 18-year-olds have been used to are now much different due to the changes on social distancing.

“I am regularly contacted by young people about issues they care about, so as their representative I want to ensure young voices are heard.”

To take part in the survey, visit childcomwales.org.uk/coronavirusandme/