We might all like to think we’re “down with the kids”- I certainly did, until I got stuck into our latest research project! But it turns out, childhood today is a whole lot different from what many of us remember.
These differences are exactly what the Research and Citizen Insight team set out to explore in our project: Childhood in Essex. We wanted to understand what life is really like for children and young people growing up in Essex today and how it compares to the experiences of their parents.
A Changing Childhood
It may come as no surprise that the environment children are growing up in today seems to have drastically moved on. Long gone seem to be the days of playing carefree out on the street and being told to make it home before dark. Instead say hello to a world of social media, instantaneous access to information and more scrutiny than ever before.
To uncover these insights, we utilised a range of different methods. We started with interviews—speaking to professionals who’ve worked with children for 15 years or more. However, to hear directly from children, young people and their parents, we tried something a little different: an online digital community.
This platform mimicked social media, allowing young people to express themselves in ways that felt natural—through posts, photos, collages, and even videos. We explored everything from how they spend their time, their hopes for their future, what worries they may be facing and the people that matter most to them.
Findings at a glance
Here are some of the key insights that emerged:
Technology: A double-edged sword: It’s clear that technological advancements have had a huge impact on children’s lives—both positively and negatively. On the one hand, tech opens doors for learning, creativity, and staying connected with friends. On the other, it introduces new risks like peer pressure, cyberbullying, and even online exploitation.
Information overload: Children and young people today have unprecedented access to information. This makes them more informed and aware than ever before, but it also means they’re exposed to a constant stream of content—some of which can be emotionally challenging or simply not age-appropriate.
Independence vs safety: Parents today face a tough balancing act. They worry about what their children might encounter online, but also about the risks of letting them roam freely outside. This often leads to tighter restrictions, which can limit children’s ability to develop independence and resilience.
Mental health: More awareness, more demand: There’s a growing openness around mental health among children and young people, which is undoubtedly a positive shift. But with increased awareness comes increased demand for support—and services aren’t always able to keep up. Without timely help, mental health issues risk persisting into adulthood, with long-term implications.
Looking Ahead
It’s clear that growing up today looks very different from how it did a generation or two ago. That’s why it’s so important for decision makers to step into the shoes of young people and understand the challenges they’re facing, what they really care about and what support they need.
The choices decision makers make now will shape young people's futures.
Throughout the research, we heard lots of great ideas from participants about how we can better support the next generation. These ideas fall into three key areas:
- Genuinely listen to children and young people. Their voices matter—and they have a lot to say.
- Create more safe spaces and activities. Places where they can be themselves, connect, and grow.
- Improve access to mental health support. Timely, preventative and discreet support is essential.
Going forward we hope these insights help shape future policies and strategies across Greater Essex and spark meaningful change for children and young people.
To read more please access the full set of reports here: https://data.essex.gov.uk/dataset/childhood-in-essex-244yz
Watch our ten-minute film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NIGtIyVc3E
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