What 13,348 Cornish Children Just Told Cornwall Council About Their Lives

A record-breaking number of young people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have lifted the lid on what life really looks like for them, and the findings are now sitting on the council’s desk.

More than 13,300 children and young people took part in this year’s Right On Survey, sharing their feelings and experiences on the issues shaping their daily lives. The 2025 figure of 13,348 respondents represents a jump of over 60% on the previous survey in 2023, which was completed by more than 8,200 young people.

What the survey covered

Pupils were asked questions across five broad areas:

• Physical Health and Mental Wellbeing
• Smoking, Vaping, Alcohol and Drugs
• Relationships and Sexual Health
• School Life
• Home and Community Life

All schools were invited to take part, alongside electively home-educated (EHE) children and other young people not attending school. In total, 98 education settings got involved.

Why it matters

Cornwall Council says the data feeds directly into how services are designed and delivered. Findings from the previous survey in 2023 helped shape the new Chat Health service, Public Health smoking and vaping campaigns, Safer Cornwall planning, and public transport work. Education settings have also used the information to improve pupil support and inform school development plans.

Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, said: “It is absolutely vital that we hear directly from children and young people across Cornwall so we truly understand their experiences, challenges, concerns and ambitions. I’m delighted that so many took part in the survey this year, giving us such a strong and representative picture.”

Hilary added: “But this isn’t just about listening. It’s about what we do next. The real value of this data is that is helps us, and our partners, take informed action and make better decisions so we can improve services and support for children and young people, helping them make their futures as bright as possible.”

A right to be heard

The survey supports Articles 12 and 13 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which cover a child’s right to be heard, involved and taken seriously.

Reports capturing the 2025 findings are now available on the Children’s Rights pages of the Cornwall Council website.