Jersey Survey to Gauge Children's Lives, Including Social Media and AI Use

Statistics Jersey is set to launch its 2026 Children and Young People's Survey in October, aiming to gather vital insights into the lives of young people on the island. The survey, which will be offered to students from Year 4 to Year 12, will run from October 5 to October 16.

For the first time, the survey will include questions about the use of social media applications and generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, asking participants how frequently they engage with them. This expansion aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the digital landscape influencing children and young people.

Chief statistician Ian Cope stated that the survey provides a "vital insight" into the daily experiences of children and young people. He noted that the survey's content was developed in collaboration with students to ensure it addresses the issues most important to them. "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," Cope said.

The survey will also explore other significant aspects of young people's lives, including whether they have caring responsibilities and if they have sufficient food each day. The data collected is intended to inform policy decisions and improve services across the Government of Jersey.

The results from the 2026 survey are scheduled for publication in Spring 2027, with a child-friendly version also to be released for schools. The previous survey, conducted in 2024, saw strong participation rates, with 4,360 children taking part. Response rates varied by year group, reaching 87% for Years 4 and 8, 84% for Years 6 and 10, and 78% for Year 12.