Schools

We want the teachers and support staff working within a school participating in Planet Youth in Scotland to feel clued-up, comfortable, and reassured that they too are getting the guidance needed in making the survey process and Planet Youth in Scotland successful.

Planet Youth originated in Iceland, and over the course of twenty years and beyond has seen significant confident changes to the attitudes and activities of teenagers in the country.

It is now being re-shaped to fit Scotland, taking into account the factors that affect our country with the core aim of achieving significant and positive results for our young people, parents and carers, educators, and the wider community for generations to come.

Schools are very important to Planet Youth in Scotland. Our educators and support staff play significant roles in nurturing and inspiring young people, and helping them realise their true potential and ambition as they grow into adults.

For all of us to be able to take action on enhancing the lives of our teenagers means for the teachers involved in the process of supporting pupils taking part in the survey, to be fully supported.

The school survey that the young people participate in acts as a window into their perspective and helps us to act and make positive changes.

The all-important data gathering from pupils is a key role for schools as typically they function as the main hubs in their communities.

Schools also have roles alongside other parts of their communities in following up on the survey, to probe more about young people’s concerns, and explore what actions could be taken to improve their lives.

Why is Planet Youth in Scotland important to me?

We (and that includes your family, school teachers, and wider community) want to improve your quality of life, and we can only do that if we are listening to your thoughts and making plans to help make a change. It doesn’t happen overnight, but with your valuable input we can start having meaningful conversations about the changes that will make a difference to your life.
How will I involved in Planet Youth in Scotland?

If you are in a school participating in Planet Youth then you’ll be invited to take part in a detailed survey during school-time (usually a double-period lesson), along with everyone else in your year group who is willing to participate (it’s voluntary and you can opt out if you wish). You’ll complete the survey on your own, with privacy and time to think about your answers. Afterwards, listen out for opportunities, at your school or perhaps with other groups in your community, to follow up on what the survey means in terms of improvements for young people.
What kind of questions are you asking me in the survey?

We are looking to get a snapshot into your life, so we will be asking questions about how you spend your free time, relationships, substance use, and your family life. Don't forget that the answers you provide are completely anonymous, so no one will know that they are from you. We encourage you to be as honest and open as possible. The responses we get will really help to improve life for young people and the community.
Is anyone going to know that the survey answers are from me?

No one will know that the survey answers have come from you.
Do I have to take part in the survey?

We encourage everyone to take part in the survey because it is your feedback that is going to help Planet Youth in Scotland, and your local make improvements in your local area. The time and effort you put into completing the survey is really appreciated. However, it is voluntary, and if you are unsure or unhappy about taking part, you can opt out. Just speak to your teacher and they will make arrangements for you.
If I don’t feel comfortable before, during or after the survey what do I do?

Don't hesitate to reach out to your teachers! They will be fully supportive and be able to advise you. We also have some helpful websites and phone numbers below that you can use in complete confidentiality.
What's happening about the great work already underway and the existing survey results?

The approach of Planet Youth can be used alongside existing data that we have! We encourage everyone interested in Planet Youth to consider how using existing information and data can be used with the Planet Youth insights. These insights will enhance and support existing work – the data can support funding applications, supplement existing knowledge, and support changes. Planet Youth works best when it is embedded and woven within what already exists. It is not a replacement or standalone thing, that’s what makes it great!