How young people spend their time after school and how they want to spend it

The middle years of childhood – from 9 to 14 years of age – are a time when children make some of the most crucial transitions in their lives. Children undergo the physical changes associated with puberty as well as rapid social and intellectual development. It is also the time when children move from primary school to high school and generally become more independent of their families, as friends and others in the community assume greater importance in their lives and begin to take greater risks.  The inquiry highlighted the importance of after-school activities, which are thought to be critical to children’s healthy development and engagement. The time spent between school and home is an opportunity for children to participate in activities that build personal competence and confidence, and more generally to explore their broader world. Yet, there is limited research evidence about how children in the middle years spend their time after school, and what they would like to be doing. This exploratory research, conducted during 2012, seeks to add to the evidence base that is informing the development of a middle years agenda.

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