Voices of children and young people in Wales study: a qualitative study of children and young people under 25 years old

This qualitative study focused on perceptions of wellbeing among a sample of children and young people up to the ages of 25 years across Wales. The findings from this study will be incorporated into the 2011 Children and Young People’s Wellbeing Monitor for Wales. The study involved focus groups and face-to-face interviews with children and young people, and also included some parents of very young children. While the participants covered a wide age span, some similar perceptions of wellbeing were shared by those of quite different ages, and from those in different circumstances. Particularly notable among these was the value placed upon relationships with others, which for the most part took precedence over more materialistic concerns. Another notable finding was the way in which children’s and young people’s perceptions about their responsibilities towards each other and themselves changed as they became more independent from their parents, and again for those young people who were parents of young children themselves. Perceived personal responsibility (particularly to succeed educationally and/or secure employment), were associated by young people as a source of future wellbeing, as well as a source of anxiety, concerning young people’s perceived efficacy in reaching these goals