Do your own investigation

In 2007, over 1,700 children and young people took part in our children’s rights investigation. We took their messages on children’s rights to the United Nations. Young Get ready for change! campaigners are now running human rights campaigns on the issues that children said mattered to them.

If you’re planning to take action on a particular children’s rights issue, it can be useful to do some research before you start.

Your children’s rights investigation in 10 easy steps

Decide on your topic. What matters to children where you live? Which rights aren’t being respected?

Do some background research by checking out what information is already available about your issue.

Decide who you now need to talk to to find out more, for example children and young people, local councillors, parents, or particular groups of children.

Decide how you will find out what people think. Will you use questionnaires? Will you do interviews?

Decide what questions you’re going to ask.

Prepare your questions by putting them into a survey, or by writing them out for your interview. Think of a catchy title for your research project.

Carry out your interviews, or ask people to fill in your questionnaire. You should always explain why you’re doing the research, and tell people they can choose not to answer any question that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Analyse your findings. What was the most common reply? What issue comes up again and again? Work out what your main findings are.

Make recommendations based on your research findings. These should include what you think should be done to improve the situation.

Use your findings to support your campaign for change. Spread the word about your findings and be clear about what you want to happen next.