An online survey allowing 11- to 18-year-olds a chance to have their voices heard by youth and education chiefs is now open.

The biennial survey contains 60 questions about health, leisure, social attitudes and lifestyle choices, and will be used to help the government and its partner agencies develop services that are available to young persons.

It is being co-ordinated by the Youth Trust, an independent charity established in the island in 2015, which will report the findings to the government.

As a response to the figures collected from the 2015/16 Young People’s Survey, Manx Motor Meet was launched to equip young drivers with skills and listening services in schools were improved with staff members being trained as emotional first aiders.

Last year’s findings showed that 81% of students, who took part, were ’happy in school’ and that the number of those drinking and smoking had fallen. It was also discovered that cyber bullying had increased in comparison to the previous year.

Director of Youth Trust Martin Macfarlane said: ’When thinking about the appropriate support for young people, and anticipating their longer-term needs, the best way to get hold of this information is simply to ask them.

’The Youth Trust has been set up to empower young people to lead healthy lifestyles, achieve their potential and contribute to the welfare of the wider community.

’Running this survey with them means that together we can make sure young people get their views taken into account when services are planned, delivered and evaluated.

’New issues that affect students are arising and the survey is designed to help understand what young people think is required for them to ensure that they are provided with support.’

Postcards have been issued through the island’s secondary schools and distributed to students within the age range.

Principal youth officer at the Department of Education, Sport, and Culture Nigel Howard said: ’Although sending out postcards is more costly for us, students are more likely to look at it because it makes it more special and personal.

’The survey has a number of questions about the bus service, youth clubs, bullying and what their school has done about it. Once the government gets the results, they could and should make some changes based on that data.’

Everyone entering the survey will have a chance of winning an Apple iPad, Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy tablet and there are 12 runner-up prizes also available.

The survey can be accessed by visiting youth.im and clicking on ’Have Your Voice Heard’, which will remain open until April 13.