A follow up survey exploring the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Croydon schools reveals encouraging trends alongside areas for improvement.

Nearly 5,000 children from 60 schools and home-schooled settings took part in Croydon Council’s survey – an increase from the previous survey in 2022/23. They shared vital insights on their wellbeing​, healthy behaviours, school life, safety and pride in Croydon​, bullying and discrimination​ and smoking.

Questions relating to drinking, drug-use and sexual health were directed at secondary school aged children.

Four in five children and young people who completed the survey feel safe at school, and 55% are proud to live in Croydon, up from 53% previously. Being in a good local community and friendships were among the positive insights. Many appreciated the borough’s diversity, educational facilities, and local amenities like parks, restaurants, and shops.​

The findings show 85% reported good general health, and 73% rated their life positively, 31% exercise daily, up from 25% previously.

The vast majority (85%) of those in secondary school said they had never used vapes or e-cigarettes, and most (95%) said they had never used traditional cigarettes. ​

Supporting children and young people to thrive is a key commitment of Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon. The Council is meeting with all participating schools and their children and young people to come up with joint solutions to tackle key issues such as bullying. Data from the survey will also be used to develop the borough’s needs assessments – identifying gaps in health and support services – relating to children and young people.

Following the first survey findings in 2022/23, more has been done to support the health and wellbeing of Croydon’s young people. The popular Croydon Schools Wellbeing Conference has been expanded so more children can benefit. There is also more investment in the Healthy School Awards, and the Croydon Wellbeing Mark which recognises the dedication to mental health and wellbeing across the school community.

The current survey results also highlight some of the challenges children and young people face. 28% reported experiencing bullying, which is often linked to their appearance. One in four lack the recommended amount of sleep – nine to 12 hours for six to 12-year-olds and eight to 10 hours for teenagers.

Other concerns include crime, discrimination, anxiety and trauma affecting their mental health, exams, career prospects and environmental issues like pollution and litter.

Funded by the Department of Health and Social Care’s Covid-19 recovery programme, these surveys are part of a decade-long initiative by the Council to track and improve school-aged children’s health and wellbeing.

“These surveys are showing us what life in Croydon feels like for our younger residents. Listening directly to them is vital and it helps us better understand their experiences and make sure they’re adequately supported. There’s real hope in what they’ve shared, and we are already using these insights to shape positive changes and improve the services they depend on.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon

The full survey results are available on the Council website here.