Coventry Children Share Views in 'One Big Voice' Survey
Thousands of young people from 60 schools provided feedback on life in the city, influencing future Child Friendly Cov priorities.
By Aisha Mahmood
••2 min read
AI
Generic image of children and young people participating in a survey in a community setting.
Over 6,000 children and young people from 60 schools across Coventry have participated in the 'One Big Voice' survey, offering insights into their experiences and views on living in the city.
The survey, a Coventry City Council-led initiative delivered with partners, aims to make Coventry a city where young people feel valued and enjoy themselves. It sought opinions on wellbeing, safety, communities, relationships, sense of belonging, and online experiences.
Findings indicate that while many pupils report positive experiences, a significant minority face challenges. Approximately 14% of primary and 15% of secondary pupils expressed dissatisfaction with their living environment and felt unsafe at times. Safety in the city centre and on public transport was a notable concern, particularly for girls and gender-diverse young people.
Online safety emerged as a key issue, with nearly 30% of primary and 36% of secondary pupils encountering confusing or upsetting content online, suggesting early exposure to online harm.
Themes of health, wellbeing, and relationships with adults were also prominent. Unhappy pupils were less likely to know where to seek mental health support and less likely to eat breakfast regularly. Conversely, those who felt listened to by adults reported better wellbeing and a stronger sense of belonging.
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"Their thoughts have provided a valuable insight into living and growing up in Coventry and will greatly help our work to make Coventry a truly child-friendly city over the coming years."
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"The voices of children and young people should influence the work of the whole Council and its partners across the city, from health and education to transport, the environment, communities, culture and the places where children live, learn and play. Listening is essential, but it is only the beginning - the focus now must be on turning what children and young people have told us into meaningful action."
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"The One Big Voice survey provides an important snapshot of what it is like to grow up in Coventry, highlighting both the things children and young people value and challenges they face. The responses provide an important evidence base for understanding their experiences and considering how their views can help shape the future of the city."
The findings will now guide the Child Friendly Cov priorities for the next two years, providing a framework for partners to address the issues raised. The full report is available at www.childfriendlycov.co.uk/one-big-voice.
