Children's Barometer 2025

The Ombudsman for children in Norway is an independent body tasked with safeguarding the rights of children. Its mandate, grounded in the Ombudsman Act and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, places particular emphasis on ensuring children are heard and able to influence decisions that affect their lives (Article 12).

To provide robust, evidence-based advice to the Storting, ministries and municipalities, the Ombudsman needed up-to-date, representative insight into what matters most to children themselves - across school, home and leisure - and how they perceive their own ability to participate and be heard.

Verian partnered with the Ombudsman to deliver the Children’s Barometer - a nationally representative survey of nearly 1,400 children in 5th and 7th grade across Norway, centred on children’s lived experiences and perspectives.

The study was grounded in a strong qualitative foundation. Prior to fieldwork, the Ombudsman engaged around 250 pupils across schools in Tønsberg, Oslo, Trondheim and Kautokeino to shape the research focus and test the questionnaire. This ensured the survey reflected children’s own language, priorities and viewpoints. Verian also conducted cognitive testing to further strengthen the questionnaire design.

The survey explored key areas of children’s lives, including family, school, leisure and participation, as well as perceptions of fairness and what helps children thrive. Questions were carefully designed to avoid sensitive topics, ensuring children could respond safely and comfortably, including when completing the survey at home.

A representative sample was achieved by selecting parents of children born in 2012 and 2015 from the National Population Register. Parents received an email invitation, first answering background questions before handing over to their child. To minimise influence, children were encouraged to complete the survey independently - with only 16% reporting that they responded alongside a parent.

The Children’s Barometer was launched on 10 June 2025, with findings presented to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre by students from Haugen School.

The research provides a powerful evidence base on children’s priorities and experiences, offering clear direction on where change is needed. The Ombudsman is using these insights to inform its ongoing work and advocacy.

Key findings show that children:

• want more play-based and practical learning at school
• expect adults to be more proactive in identifying and addressing bullying
• want parents to reduce screen use and be more present