About the Good Childhood Index
The Good Childhood Index was developed by The Children's Society in 2010 to understand and measure children's wellbeing across the UK. For over a decade, it has been the UK's leading measure of what matters most to young people - tracking their happiness with family, friends, school, appearance, and life as a whole.
Now, we need young people like you to help us update it for today's world.
Since 2010, the world has changed dramatically. Social media has transformed how young people connect. The pandemic reshaped education and social life. Mental health awareness has grown. Climate anxiety is real. The issues that matter most to young people today aren't necessarily the same as they were 15 years ago. That's why we're working with young researchers to update the Good Childhood Index - to ensure it asks about the things that truly matter to this generation.
How the Project Works
January 2025
Young researchers join Emerging Voices in Research, meeting for introduction sessions and training. Group Members (13-17) and Group Leaders (18-25) begin working together to understand the current Good Childhood Index and identify what needs updating.
February - October 2025
Monthly online sessions where young researchers design the project, decide how to speak to other young people about wellbeing, create research materials, and conduct research with their peers. Group Leaders mentor younger members while everyone contributes their unique perspectives.
Beyond October 2025
The updated Good Childhood Index launches, shaped by young people's voices. Your research will influence how we measure childhood wellbeing for years to come, informing policies and services that affect children and young people across the UK.
Who We Are
- • The Children's Society: A national charity that has been helping children and young people for over 140 years, running services, campaigning for change, and conducting research into childhood wellbeing.
- • Works For All: An organisation dedicated to ensuring people can be involved in research and projects that are about them, rather than decisions being made by others.
- • Emerging Voices in Research: Our youth research programme bringing together Group Members (13-17) and Group Leaders (18-25) to shape the future of the Good Childhood Index.
Our Mission
We believe that research about young people should be led by young people. The Good Childhood Index measures what matters most to children's lives - and young people are the experts on what that means in today's world.
By joining Emerging Voices in Research, you're not just contributing to a project - you're shaping how we understand and improve childhood wellbeing across the UK. Your voice matters. Your experiences matter. Your generation's perspective is essential to creating research that truly reflects the lives of young people today.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join Emerging Voices in Research and help shape the future of childhood wellbeing.