University of Western Australia
New research commissioned by the Valuing Children Initiative will examine if attitudes to children have changed in the six years since an initial survey was undertaken.
The original research was based on the view that – although frequently missing from discussions – attitudes and the culture of a society are pivotal to children’s wellbeing.
The research will be led Dr Stephan Lund, from by The University of Western Australia’s School of Allied Health, who is collaborating with researchers from Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University and Curtin University.
“We have formed a multi-disciplinary research team to ensure that we can analyse Australians’ views of children from a range of different angles,” Dr Lund said.
“As researchers we are committed to ensuring that we can use the research outcomes with the Valuing Children Initiative to advocate for a stronger voice for children’s rights.”
Dr Stephan Lund
Researchers are looking for volunteers to participate in the survey which will look at participant’s attitude to children in Australian contemporary society and explore what people think are the key issues and challenges children face today.
The results of the survey will be released in 2023 and compared to results from the 2016 original survey before being presented to the Valuing Children Initiative.
Valuing Children Initiative Development Executive Maddie McLeod said how we value children, individually and as a section of society, directly impacts how we treat them and the priority we give to their needs and rights.
“We have been working hard to raise the profile of children’s needs, issues and wellbeing and are keen to assess the results of the survey,” Ms McLeod said.
“The research will help not only us, but many others, to identify key adult attitudes that may be barriers to better outcomes for Australian children.”
Anyone in Australia aged over 18 can participate in the anonymous 15-minute online survey. Take part in the online survey.