The qualitative studies which are part of Growing Up in Ireland involve interviews with sub-samples of 122 children and their parents. They are designed to complement the quantitative studies of 8,570 nineyear-olds and 11,100 nine-month-olds. This is the first report on the qualitative study with the nine-yearolds.

The broad aim of the Growing up in Ireland study is to examine factors which contribute to or undermine the well-being of children in contemporary Ireland. The output from the study is expected to contribute to the formulation of effective policies and design of services which address issues pertinent to the lives of children and their families. The study is closely aligned to the National Children‟s Strategy (2000) which identifies as one of its principal aims that children‟s lives will be better understood, and will benefit from evaluation, research, and information on their needs and rights and on the effectiveness of services.