Healthy lifestyle survey
In 2025 we were able to celebrate 15 years of delivering the Healthy Lifestyle Survey in Darlington. Beginning as a small survey in secondary schools looking at two specific topics it has evolved over time. It is now embedded as an annual survey of up to 6000 children and young people between the ages of 9 and 16 years.
The purpose of the survey is to understand children and young people’s perceptions of their peer’s health related behaviours and also their own behaviour. It covers a range of topics including mental health, oral health, physical activity, smoking and vaping, alcohol and relationships. The information gathered is used by public health and schools to deliver positive messages using a ‘social norms’ approach to challenge risk taking behaviour. For example, we know that very few young people try smoking a cigarette, however the perception amongst young people is that many young people have tried a cigarette or smoke. Using the data collected we are able to feedback that 95% of children and young people in Darlington have not tried smoking. Giving this positive messaging encourages our children and young people to question their perceptions, which can positively influence their own behaviour choices.
Over the years that we have been carrying out the survey we have seen changes in actual behaviours and perceptions. For example, within primary settings we have seen an increase in the number of children doing 60 active minutes daily. We have also seen an increase in the number of children who understand the physical and emotional changes they will experience during puberty. This shows therefore they are better prepared when they do begin to experience these changes. In secondary schools we have seen a reduction in the number of young people self-reporting that they drink alcohol or engage in sex before the age of 16.
Schools which participate in the programme consistently use the data with pupils, staff and parents and carers. They are adapting their PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education) in school to meet the needs of the pupils and the local area. If there are areas of concern identified in the data schools will often create action plans to try and improve outcomes. Recent examples of this approach have included;
- reviewing school meals
- supporting healthy packed lunches
- establishing or extending the supervised tooth brushing programme
- delivering their own C Card scheme (secondary schools only).
We regularly review the questions asked in the survey, to make sure they stay relevant and can help us understand any emerging needs locally. Recent examples include asking questions about vaping, gambling and consent (some topics are only covered in the secondary school questionnaire). The public health team then use the data to inform work locally but also share key findings with other services to support their work.
This year we included questions about consent and use of contraception in the secondary school survey and overall, the findings were positive:
- 94% of young people completing the survey said that they understand consent
- 92% agreed it is important to ask permission before touching someone and for someone to ask you before they touch you
- 86% of respondents understood what impacts on their ‘capacity’ to give consent, and their overall attitudes in terms of consent were positive
- 94% of respondents agreed that discussing and accessing contraception when in a relationship is a shared responsibility