Information for parents

If you’ve been contacted to take part in the Growing Up in the 2020s study, you can find out more on the study website.

About the study

Today’s adolescents face unique challenges compared to previous generations, growing up amid rapid technological advancements, shifting social norms, and global crises like climate change and rising mental health issues.

Data from the study have the potential to inform prevention strategies to help identify those at risk of poorer outcomes early and ensure they are supported accordingly.

Who is leading the study?

The study is led by Professor Jess Deighton (Anna Freud). Professor Emla Fitzsimons (Centre for Longitudinal Studies) is co-director.

Who funds the study?

Growing Up in the 2020s is funded by the Department for Education (DfE). It is part of a series of longitudinal studies known as the Education and Outcomes Panel Studies (EOPS).

DfE commissioned the study to provide high-quality, statistical evidence that can help address scientific and policy questions regarding the influences on educational attainment and wellbeing across different stages of childhood. The series also includes Children of the 2020s and the Five to Twelve study.

Study design and content

Sample design

A sample of approximately 20,000 children aged 12-13 (Year 8) in England has been selected from the Department for Education’s National Pupil Database, with a higher selection probability for pupils eligible for free school meals.

Approximately 7,750 children and parents are expected to participate at Wave 1 with approximately 4,000 paired child-parent interviews anticipated at Wave 4.

Data collection

There will be four waves of data collection, in:

• Year 8 (face to face)
• Year 9 (online, then telephone)
• Year 11 (online, then telephone)
• Year 12 (online, then face-to-face).

Content

Data will be collected from young people and parents/carers in all waves, and teachers in waves 1 and 3, including on the following topics:

• school and education
• health and wellbeing
• activities
• peer relationships and bullying
• family relationships
• financial security
• sociodemographics
• cognitive assessments.

The study includes linkages to parent and young person education, health and economic records.

The study will produce weighted datasets (likely via the Office for National Statistics Secure Research Service) alongside data documentation and guidance following each wave of data collection.

Iris substudy

In Wave 1, the Iris substudy will track the internet usage of a subsample of approximately 400 young people on their personal mobile phone for four weeks.