Researchers are preparing to gather insights into the lives of New Zealand’s children with next month’s school census. Over 200 schools have already registered for the project, which is a collaboration between Stats NZ, Auckland University, and the Ministry of Education.
The biennial survey, which has been running for nearly 25 years, targets students from Year 3 to Year 13. It asks them a wide range of questions about their interests, habits, dreams, and aspirations.
Rachel Cunliffe, from Census at School, explained that the aim of the survey is to get students excited about the data they will receive. “We want students to be interested in the data, understand its purpose, and see how it’s collected and analyzed,” she said.
This year’s survey will include a variety of questions. Students will be asked about their pets, the weight of their school bags, the musical instruments they play, and their dream jobs. They will also answer more common questions about favorites like food, sports, and colors.
The survey will also include some serious topics suggested by students themselves. For example, students will answer questions about their screen time habits, including whether they use devices in bed. For the first time, the census will ask students about their use of ChatGPT, a platform that was not available in previous years.
The data collected will be anonymized and shared with teachers immediately, allowing classrooms to explore and analyze the information. Teachers and students will also have access to a national database, which can be used for further exploration.
Cunliffe noted that the survey provides valuable insights not just for students but also for their parents. “Parents often wonder how their children’s habits compare to others. For example, some kids might say they go to bed at 9:00 PM, while others stay up until 10:00 PM,” she said.
At the end of the survey, students are asked to confirm that their answers are honest and truthful. While some students may joke around with their responses, Cunliffe emphasized that the data remains consistent and reliable. “We take privacy seriously and ensure that the process is anonymous and secure.”
Last year, the survey saw its highest participation yet, with over 52,000 students from more than 800 schools filling out the questionnaire.
While many of the questions have remained consistent over the years, some have evolved. For example, questions about cell phone ownership have become increasingly relevant, as younger children now own phones. Social media questions have also adapted, with platforms like Myspace and Bebo giving way to newer options like Snapchat and TikTok.
For the first time, the census will ask students about their career aspirations. Cunliffe speculated that it will be interesting to see if careers like being a YouTuber or influencer are among the most popular answers.
Another new addition this year will ask students to identify the most “trending” word among their peers. Last year, “brainrot” was the most common response, and it will be interesting to see if any new terms emerge as the current youth slang.
