Major survey provides insight into health needs of children and young people

A survey of nearly 5,000 children and young people across Derbyshire provides insight into their health needs and emotional health and wellbeing.

The annual ‘My Life, My View’ ) youth health and wellbeing survey conducted in schools for Derbyshire County Council captures the voices of thousands of young people in Years 8 to 11 across Derbyshire’s secondary schools, offering invaluable insights into their emotional health and wellbeing.

The data shows that young people in Derbyshire are generally content with their lives and making choices that support their health and wellbeing.

However, a minority of young people are reporting lower well-being, feeling unhappy with their health, or feeling dis-empowered. This group is more likely to engage in risky or unhealthy behaviours that could negatively impact their physical or mental health.

The survey covers issues including:

  • drugs, alcohol and tobacco
  • emotional health and wellbeing
  • healthy eating
  • leisure
  • physical activity
  • safety
  • school
  • relationships and sex

The report provides evidence about inequalities, where it concludes:

  • the most deprived areas show higher substance use prevalence and less deprived areas show more physical activity and better well-being.
  • LGBTQ+ pupils show a long list of risk factors in all year groups, including more bullying and lower well-being scores, but also differences in lifestyle e.g. lower engagement in physical activity
  • pupils with special education needs, those with a disability or long-term illness and those who are young carers also have a long list of risk factors.

The report provides tracking data for the past four years, to allow comparisons and identify change. Among the conclusions are:

  • fall in alcohol use
  • rise in vaping
  • bullying and safety measures show many outcomes with more negative results in 2024

Alison Davies, Healthcare Public Health Practitioner, at Derbyshire County Council, said: “The data collected through the ‘My Life, My View’ survey can play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the challenges and needs faced by young people during their secondary school years.

“This localised data enables us to design and implement targeted prevention and support activities that are tailored to the specific needs of our communities.”