Growing up in Digital Europe (GUIDE) aimed to address the lack of comprehensive data on the wellbeing of children and young individuals. Existing studies often overlook crucial aspects such as environmental factors, risk behaviours, safety, culture, and psychological, mental, and emotional wellbeing. The GUIDE study was initiated to fill these gaps and provide a more holistic understanding of child wellbeing.
Understanding the wellbeing of children is vital for informed policymaking, resource allocation, and the development of support systems. A comprehensive dataset helps identify areas where interventions are needed most, ensuring that policies and programmes are tailored to the actual needs of children and their families. This, in turn, contributes to the overall well-being and development of society.
The client committed to conducting a pilot study to gather valuable insights into the logistical, organisational, and scientific aspects of implementing such a survey. The study involved administering questionnaires to parents of children under 1 year old, parents of 8-year-old children, and the 8-year-old children themselves. The goal was to collect 750 questionnaires in total.
The challenges included recruiting participants, ensuring the representativeness of the sample, managing technical issues with survey tools, and overcoming the reluctance of parents to participate. Additionally, the client needed support in training investigators and conducting quality control.
Our team brought expertise in survey methodology, data collection and project management. Our team has extensive experience in conducting large-scale surveys and ensuring data quality.
We conducted the work in several phases:
We used best practices in survey methodology, including conducting quality control calls, and using specialized software for data collection and management. We also provided investigators with informative brochures to build trust with participants.
Our output included a detailed report on the pilot study highlighting the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and recommendations for future studies.
Our work enables the client to understand the logistical, organisational, and scientific aspects of conducting a large-scale survey on child wellbeing. It provides valuable insights into the challenges and best practices for future studies.
The impact of our work will be significant in informing policymakers and stakeholders about the well-being of children. It will help identify areas where interventions are needed most, leading to better policies and programs that support child development and well-being.
Our work directly addresses the client's challenge of gathering comprehensive data on child wellbeing. It provides a foundation for future studies and interventions, contributing to the broader goal of improving the well-being of children and society.