Appendix II: Questions asked at Focus Group Discussions
Focus group one: Secondary School Students
Family
Do you feel that your parents or carers ask your opinion about things that matter to you? This can
mean anything from asking your opinion on what you eat, which school you want to go to, or what
sort of sports or other recreational activity you want to take part in.
If they ask you, and you give them your opinion, do you think they take your views seriously when
they decide?
Health Care
When you go to the doctor or the nurse, do you feel that you are given information on what may
be causing your health problem? Are you given information on what sort of treatment you are
getting, and why? Is the information you are given clear enough for you to be able to make a
decision regarding your treatment?
Have you been asked for your opinion on what sort of treatment you received at a healthcare
facility?
Play, recreation, sports and culture
Have you ever been asked about what sort of playground you would like in your neighbourhood, or
what sort of recreation, sports and cultural activities should be available in your neighbourhood?
Have you ever been consulted on local youth work activities?
Does your school consult you when new school clubs and activities are being set up? What do you
think of the consultations?
Do you know if children with special needs are able to have any say in relation to playgrounds,
recreation, sports and cultural activities?
In situations of violence
What do you understand by ‘violence against children?’
Do you know that violence against children is a crime?
Do you know if there are any laws that prevent all forms of violence against children?
Do you know who children can go to for help if an act of violence is committed against them?
Do you know the number of the national child helpline?
Has anyone ever told you the number of the child helpline?
Has anyone in school or another institution talked to you about violence against children?
Do you know if there is anyone in school, or anywhere else, that you can talk to confidentially in
case of violent behaviour against you?
Education
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