Include Children in Your Annual Family Survey

An annual family survey is an effective way to gather strategic information, identify shifts in expectations, and connect with families. Yet sometimes, in our quest to collect information, we overlook feedback from children and youth.

Kids are an excellent source of feedback and safety information. What they share is a valuable way to learn about their experiences. Dedicating a section of your annual family survey will build trust, open lines of communication, and promote transparency. Kids love being part of the process to improve safety.

The child and youth section of the survey can be parent-directed if needed. It can include questions parents can read to younger kids or ones that allow independent readers and writers to provide their own answers. Older children may request privacy when filling it out and prefer to submit it independently and anonymously.

Survey questions are a helpful tool for discussing topics like personal space, body safety, and bullying prevention. Here are a few sample questions for children under 12 asking about their participation, trusted relationships, safety concerns, and potential bullying. These can help you assess day-to-day safety issues. Additional questions for older youth can build on these and focus on leadership, mentoring programs, and offsite activities.

Give respondents the option to share their contact information or remain anonymous. Also, include space for parents to provide their own comments and feedback.

1. Do you feel safe attending our program, event, or children’s gathering? Why or why not?

This question helps identify overall perceptions of safety and specific concerns.

2. Is there an adult staff member, volunteer, or leader you trust to go to if something makes you uncomfortable, scared, or nervous? Optional to add a name.

Helps assess whether trusted relationships are established.

3. Have you ever seen or experienced something that made you feel unsafe or unsure?

Provides an opportunity to report concerns.

4. Do you feel your teachers, aides, and volunteers work to protect you? Yes or no? Why or why not?

Encourages awareness of safety procedures and accountability

5. What is one thing we can do to help you feel safer?

Supports direct feedback from children and teens.

6. Do you ever feel left out of classroom activities? Yes or no? If yes, please share more details.

Helps identify barriers to participation.

7. In our program, have you ever been teased or bullied? Yes or no? If yes, please share specifics.

Indicates whether the anti-bullying guidelines are being followed or whether additional training is needed. 

8. Are there places in the children’s area that make you feel unsafe? Yes or no? If yes, where?

Provides an opportunity to review facility safety or isolated areas.

The Outcome

By including feedback from kids and youth in the annual family survey, you give all family members a chance to be heard while strengthening child protection. Their input goes a long way in building trust, establishing a “speak up” culture, and improving child safety.

For more safety tips, training information, and how to develop a Child Protection Policy, subscribe to the KidCheck blog or connect with us on X, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

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