Listening to Young Voices: Shaping Education Policy - #BeeWell Young people campaign department of education wellbeing mental health

This month, young people from Our Wellbeing Our Voice (#BeeWell, @annafreudcharity.bsky.social @thefea.bsky.social) shared their experiences of school, highlighting the importance of belonging, trusted adults, & inclusive practices.

📢 beewellprogramme.org/listening-to...
#OurWellbeingOurVoice

#Beewell

Peter Day Professor of Children's Oral Health and Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry, University of Leeds

Sally Bridges Programme Manager, NIHR ARC Yorkshire and Humber

Gary Leeming, University of Liverpool

A rich session showcasing data assets from across the North — #BeeWell, Born in Bradford, BaBi and C‑GULL — and how they can inform work on SEND and children’s outcomes.
 
#CotN #SEND

Web links in thread👇🧵

@beewelluk.bsky.social @arc-yharc.bsky.social @livunichil.bsky.social

Our Wellbeing Our Voice campaign - what we achieved together - #BeeWell

📢 Our Wellbeing Our Voice campaign – what we achieved together

The journey continues. Measuring wellbeing nationally is the first step to making young people's wellbeing everybody's business.

📌 Read the full campaign round-up here: beewellprogramme.org/our-wellbein...

Understanding Internal Exclusion in English Secondary Schools: What the Evidence Tells Us - #BeeWell Explore what research reveals about internal exclusion in English secondary schools. Learn how many schools use it, who it affects, its impact on pupils, and what the evidence suggests for future beha...

📌 New Blog: Understanding Internal Exclusion in English Secondary Schools

Managing behaviour in secondary schools is complex and demanding task. Internal exclusion is is widely used, but what does the evidence say about its impact?

👉 beewellprogramme.org/understandin...

Schools alone are not responsible for our children’s wellbeing; we all are: Our Wellbeing Our Voice at Report Stage - #BeeWell Peers in the House of Lords debate Amendment 233, calling for a national children’s wellbeing measurement programme. Strong cross-party support and backing from 60+ organisations highlighted.

Early morning of the 4th feb, peers in the House of Lords debated a national wellbeing measurement with cross-party support for Amendment 233.

The message was clear 👉 schools alone aren’t responsible for children’s wellbeing — we all are.

Read more 👉 beewellprogramme.org/schools-alon...

🏛️ Final Day in the House of Lords: National Wellbeing Measurement.

We are calling on the government to implement a national wellbeing measurement programme to address the needs of children and young people across England.

📖Briefing: 320eeebf-ba68-4213-a42d-8a9d6adbdac6.filesusr.com/ugd/6af426_1...

#BeeWell research shows young people’s experiences in special schools vary by type of need.

While many feel well supported by teachers, some groups especially those in the broad SEND category report lower belonging and happiness with attainment.

👉 www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/c...

Informal outdoor facilities can prevent a barrier to physical activity. @makespaceforgirls.bsky.social are doing great work in this area and great resource to check out.

🌟Great to come together for the Jan 2026 #BeeWell National Coalition event, sharing insights, regional updates, and inspiring initiatives driving young people’s wellbeing.

Sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with all things #BeeWell: ow.ly/bHlQ50Y1JP3

🏃‍♀️ Physical activity is key to wellbeing, yet girls remain less active than boys.
#BeeWell data shows these gender gaps persist across Greater Manchester. Turning evidence into action is key.

Read here: beewellprogramme.org/wp-content/u...

Professor Neil Humphrey on BBC North West Tonight - 15th January 2026 YouTube video by University of Manchester Media Relations

ICYMI: Professor Neil Humphrey appeared on BBC North West Tonight discussing #BeeWell’s @qiqicheng.bsky.social research on social media, gaming and young people’s wellbeing.

📺 Interview : www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw9e...
📖 Research: www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/t...

Social media time does not increase teenagers’ mental health problems – study Research finds no evidence heavier social media use or more gaming increases symptoms of anxiety or depression

"Social media time does not increase teenagers’ mental health problems"- @theguardian.com coverage of our latest peer-reviewed study which shows the picture is more complex.

📖Guardian article:
www.theguardian.com/media/2026/j...

🔗Research: www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/t...

Emily’s story highlights the importance of wellbeing data to shape more effective mental health support and policies for children and young people.

This week marks the House of Lords’ Report Stage of the Children’s Wellbeing Bill.

🔗 Check out the campaign: www.ourwellbeingourvoice.org

Our Young Champion Emily and Grace are calling for a National Wellbeing Measure for better mental health data, helping prevent mental ill health in future generations.
www.ourwellbeingourvoice.org

FabStuff Podcast–keeping YOU In the Loop Its live now ...........In this new FabStuff podcast series, Niall and Roy leverage their extensive experience in health and social care, engaging in probing conversation

UK young people are unhappier than nearly all their European counterparts. 

Our partner @beewelluk.bsky.social’s founder is on @fabnhsstuff.bsky.social podcast explaining why we need a national wellbeing measurement in the new Schools Bill from the government:
fabnhsstuff.net/fab-collecti...

Time spent on gaming and social media not to blame for teen mental health issues A major new study from The University of Manchester has found little evidence that social media use or video gaming are causing mental health problems in young teenagers, challenging one of the most w...

📢 #BeeWell research with 25,000+ pupils aged 11–14 found little evidence that social media or gaming causes anxiety or depression. Wellbeing depends on support, connections, and daily life, not just screen time.

🔗 www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/t...

📢 @uk.theconversation.com covers #BeeWell’s qiqicheng.bsky.social latest research on digital technology and young people's wellbeing.

The findings show that the link between social media, gaming, and wellbeing is far more nuanced.

📰 Read the coverage here: theconversation.com/evidence-for...

Episode 15 David Gregson - FabStuff Podcast To start their 2026 podcasts, Niall and Roy make a departure from their usual focus on the politics and management of the NHS, and explore the worrying state of our young people.  The awful reali...

🎙️ David Gregson, Co-founder of #BeeWell, joined the FabStuff: In the Loop podcast with Niall Dickson CBE and Roy Lilley to underline the importance of listening to young people’s voices when measuring and improving wellbeing.

🎧
www.buzzsprout.com/2489623/epis...

#BeeWell national Coalition of Partners meeting Be part of the #BeeWell Coalition of Partners meeting as we come together to reflect on recent progress and discuss new wellbeing insights.

🎉 The countdown is on — just 2 weeks until our National coalition of partners event!

On 22January, we’ll be sharing #BeeWell research highlights, learning from partners, & updates on our campaign to improve children & young people’s wellbeing.

📌 Save your spot: www.eventbrite.com/e/beewell-na...

Improving school attendance - N8 Research Partnership Child of the North and Centre for Young Lives put forward new recommendations to tackle the school absence crisis.

Our 'How To' Toolkits support practitioners to implement the report recommendations:

Education providers:
www.n8research.org.uk/media/CotN_H...

Child health services:
www.n8research.org.uk/media/CotN_H...

Local authorities:
www.n8research.org.uk/media/CotN_H...

#ChildrenFirst

We urgently need a whole system response to address the multifaceted root causes of school absence. The government must prioritise building a country that works for all children and young people. #ChildrenFirst. Featured logos of Child of the North, N8 Research Partnership, Health Equity North and Centre for Young Lives.

Last year, we described a school attendance crisis following the Covid-19 pandemic. The crisis remains with inequalities related to poverty and disadvantage becoming entrenched. We need a whole system response tailored to localities, and systematic evaluation of what works. Our practitioner toolkits support schools, child health workers and local authorities to implement expert recommendations. We are calling on the government, and everyone, to put children first. #ChildrenFirst

We urgently need a whole system response to address the multifaceted root causes of school absence.

Our latest analysis highlights a persisting attendance crisis, with inequalities related to poverty and disadvantage becoming entrenched.

Read on for insights and recommendations 👇

#ChildrenFirst

#BeeWell attended the Ambitious About Inclusion conference with @mission44.bsky.social and the @cfyounglives.bsky.social — a powerful day focused on amplifying youth voice.

We were challenged to ask: What practical action will you take to reduce lost learning and share best practice?

The arts can transform young people’s wellbeing and deliver big economic returns, study finds A new study led by The University of Manchester’s #BeeWell team and PBE (formerly Pro Bono Economics) has found that artistic activities can dramatically improve young people’s wellbeing - with effect...

💡 The arts can transform young people’s wellbeing, and even boost the economy.

A new study from @manchester.ac.uk's @beewelluk.bsky.social team and PBE reveals how creative activities can dramatically improve youth wellbeing.

🔗: www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/t...

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Guest Blog - Student Voice in Action: Tackling Bullying Together at a Hampshire Secondary School This is a guest blog written by #BeeWell & Lift New Forest.

It’s #AntiBullyingWeek, and we’re using our #PowerForGood! ⚡️

Check out the inspiring anti-bullying work happening at Lift New Forest, spotlighted in the Anti-Bullying Alliance blog. 💙

👉 - anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/aba-our-work...

bit.ly/4mN5Ous

Isolation rooms 'damaging' to student wellbeing - study Spending time in isolation rooms due to poor behaviour is resulting in pupils feeling reduced belonging, having poorer relationships with teachers and some reporting lower levels of mental wellbeing, ...

🗞️ ICYMI: Our #BeeWell research has been featured in schoolsweek.bsky.social

👉 schoolsweek.co.uk/time-in-isolation-room-damages-student-wellbeing-study-suggests

Read the research here 👉 bera-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...

Research from @beewelluk.bsky.social into the scale of the use of isolation within schools highlighted in @theguardian.com, with researchers from @educationuom.bsky.social carrying out the first large-scale investigation into internal exclusion 👇

"We need a system that works for everybody"

📻 neilhumphrey.bsky.social spoke on BBC Radio 5 Live today(from 11:40am) about new #BeeWell research showing how school “'isolation' rooms can impact pupil wellbeing.

Listen or catch up: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

Top 5 policy changes to create better childhoods: Whole-school approaches to wellbeing A trusted adult guarantee, providing chosen trusted adults A focus on holistic wellbeing in early support hubs rollout Ambitious implementation and monitoring of the Child Poverty Strategy Introduce a national wellbeing measurement programme

Children’s wellbeing is still in decline, according to childrenssociety.bsky.social’s #GoodChildhoodReport 2025.

We back their recommendations to reclaim hope and call for the government to take decisive action to overturn this damaging decline: https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/good-childhood

Celebrating Rochdale’s Young Health Activists leading wellbeing campaigns across their school - #BeeWell Young Health Activists, Rochdale schools, peer wellbeing support, #BeeWell, youth-led health campaigns, Young Health Champions, RSPH Level 2, mental health in schools, anti-vaping campaign, youth part...

This #YouthMentalHealthDay, we're celebrating young people in Rochdale who are working to #ShareSupport as Young Health Activists.

🔗 Learn more: beewellprogramme.org/celebrating-...

📢The fourth principle of the #OurWellbeingOurVoice coalition is regular.

🔗 Learn more about the campaign : www.ourwellbeingourvoice.org/about