Discover the MDI
Physical Health and Well-Being
Children evaluate their own physical well-being in the areas of overall health including body image, nutrition and sleeping habits.
Connectedness
Children are asked about their experiences of support and connection with the adults in their schools and neighbourhoods, with their parents or guardians at home, and with their peers.
Social and Emotional Development
Children respond to questions about their current social and emotional functioning in 7 areas: optimism, self-esteem, happiness, empathy, pro-social behaviour, sadness and worries.
School Experiences
Children are asked about their school experiences in 4 areas: academic self-concept, school climate, school belonging, and experiences with peer victimisation (bullying).
Use of After-School Time
Children are asked about the time they spend engaged in organized activities such as sports, music and art, as well as the time they spend watching TV, doing homework and playing video games.
Intro to the MDI
About the MDI
Why children's voices?
Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that children have a right to give their opinion and be listened to by the adults around them.
The MDI is a unique tool that allows us to hear children’s voices.
It gives us insight into areas that have great significance in children’s lives but are not typically evaluated by other forms of assessments.
Rather than evaluating academic progress, the MDI gives children an opportunity to communicate to adults in schools and communities about what their experiences are inside and outside of school. In this regard, the MDI has great potential to provide educators, parents, researchers, community organisations and policy makers with much needed information about the psychological and social worlds of children during middle childhood.
By reviewing and sharing MDI results we are validating the opinions and concerns of children and are better prepared to move toward actions that will create supportive environments where children can thrive.
The MDI is a unique tool that allows us to hear children’s voices.
It gives us insight into areas that have great significance in children’s lives but are not typically evaluated by other forms of assessments.
Rather than evaluating academic progress, the MDI gives children an opportunity to communicate to adults in schools and communities about what their experiences are inside and outside of school. In this regard, the MDI has great potential to provide educators, parents, researchers, community organisations and policy makers with much needed information about the psychological and social worlds of children during middle childhood.
By reviewing and sharing MDI results we are validating the opinions and concerns of children and are better prepared to move toward actions that will create supportive environments where children can thrive.
How is MDI data used?
MDI results are summarised into reports that communities, schools, and governments can use to inform their work. Learning how children are currently faring across suburbs and local areas means that supports and services can be tailored to families and children where and when they are needed.
MDI data can be used to:
Who uses MDI data?
Schools and communities use the information included in MDI reports to initiate conversations about how the needs of children in their middle years can be better addressed.
Researchers use MDI data to dig deeper into important questions about the genetic, biological, and social determinants of children’s health and development. Their research, in turn, helps to inform policy and program development.
Government, policy-makers, and not-for-profit organizations use the maps and data that come from the MDI questionnaire to plan economic investments, policy changes and program development
Researchers use MDI data to dig deeper into important questions about the genetic, biological, and social determinants of children’s health and development. Their research, in turn, helps to inform policy and program development.
Government, policy-makers, and not-for-profit organizations use the maps and data that come from the MDI questionnaire to plan economic investments, policy changes and program development
About the Social Research Centre
The Social Research Centre provides the Australian social science research community with access to world-class survey research services and a full range of survey design, data management, analytical and qualitative skills.
Our motivation stems from the desire to collect data of the highest quality, to undertake research in the public good and to enhance knowledge and contribute to informed decision-making. Our goal is to be internationally acknowledged as a centre for excellence in the provision of social science research services.
We are currently trialling the MDI under licence from HELP in a number of Victorian schools This complements the work we undertake on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Education and Training for the Australian Early Development Census.
Our motivation stems from the desire to collect data of the highest quality, to undertake research in the public good and to enhance knowledge and contribute to informed decision-making. Our goal is to be internationally acknowledged as a centre for excellence in the provision of social science research services.
We are currently trialling the MDI under licence from HELP in a number of Victorian schools This complements the work we undertake on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Education and Training for the Australian Early Development Census.
Resources
Parents and Carers: For further information about the MDI please refer to the 'About' section of this website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers
1Will parents/carers get individual results for their child?
The MDI is not like the National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) where individual reports are provided to parents/carers.
For the MDI, your child’s data will be combined with data from the other children living within the same school or community.
MDI results for individual children are not reported and the MDI is not used as an individual diagnostic tool. This means that an individual child report is not produced.
For the MDI, your child’s data will be combined with data from the other children living within the same school or community.
MDI results for individual children are not reported and the MDI is not used as an individual diagnostic tool. This means that an individual child report is not produced.
2Can I have my child's information removed from the collections database?
Yes. It is open to you to withdraw consent for your child’s participation in the MDI at any point in time. If you withdraw your consent your child’s information will be removed from the collection database.
You can do this by contacting your child’s school. However, if you withdraw your consent after the data is reported, your child’s information cannot be removed from any reports.
Please note that, in any case, your child will not be individually identified in the reports.
You can do this by contacting your child’s school. However, if you withdraw your consent after the data is reported, your child’s information cannot be removed from any reports.
Please note that, in any case, your child will not be individually identified in the reports.
3Is my child's information held securely?
Yes. The Social Research Centre uses data collection techniques, storage and reporting technologies that ensure the reliability and security of the MDI data.
Security rules (protocols) agreed between the Social Research Centre and the University of British Columbia require protection against unauthorised access and accidental destruction or modification of MDI data.
Security rules (protocols) agreed between the Social Research Centre and the University of British Columbia require protection against unauthorised access and accidental destruction or modification of MDI data.
4Who do I contact if I have more questions about the privacy of my child's information or if I would like to make a complaint?
All enquiries and complaints about the privacy of MDI information should be directed to the Social Research Centre in writing to privacy@srcentre.com.au
The Social Research Centre has a Research Information Privacy Policy that is available on their web site.
The website also includes further information on how the Social Research Centre complies with the APPs it also provides information about how you may make a complaint about a suspected breach of the APPs by the Social Research Centre or its contractors, and how the Social Research Centre deals with complaints.
The Social Research Centre has a Research Information Privacy Policy that is available on their web site.
The website also includes further information on how the Social Research Centre complies with the APPs it also provides information about how you may make a complaint about a suspected breach of the APPs by the Social Research Centre or its contractors, and how the Social Research Centre deals with complaints.
Registration for the 2019 MDI has closed.
If you need any assistance, please call the Social Research Centre on 03 9236 8500 or email mdihelpdesk@srcentre.com.au
If you need any assistance, please call the Social Research Centre on 03 9236 8500 or email mdihelpdesk@srcentre.com.au
Helpdesk
- MDI Helpdesk
c/o The Social Research Centre
Level 9, 277 William Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3000