Our Good Childhood Report 2025 shows the latest trends in children’s wellbeing. Our research seeks to understand how young people feel about different aspects of their lives. For the first time, this year we have complemented survey data analysis with direct work with a group of Young Advisors who led peer consultations with young people, and we also consulted with professionals across the children’s sector.

This year’s Good Childhood Report reveals that too many young people are unhappy with their lives. 9% of the children and young people who completed our survey in 2025 had low wellbeing. For the first time, children’s average happiness was significantly lower than when the Understanding Society survey started for all six aspects of life – including family.