LibGuides: Resources in Youth Ministry (YM): Statistics & Demographics

Trends in Marketing

Each year, more and more information is being directed at those under the age of 18. How can the church compete with everything vying for their attention? The resources below provide helpful information about marketing.

Youth and Family Research
Run by C+R Research, YouthBeat provides access to all kinds of surveys given to those 18 and under (for a fee). If you need research about this demographic, this is a great place to start.
KidScreen
"This site provides comprehensive analysis of the news, issues, trends, market shifts and opportunities having an impact on children under 18 in all sectors of business, including TV production, distribution & programming, licensing & retail, marketing & promotions, gaming & digital media, feature films, home entertainment and publishing."

Research and Data about Children/Family in the Church

The Barna Group
The family/kids section of the Barna Group website contains information from a variety of surveys and statistics related to this demographic. From results about technology and youth to the long-term effects of attending church, this resources is a great place to start for gathering information about the current trends in the church!
The Center for Spiritual Development in Childhood and Adolescence
Also run by the Search Institute, this site provides access to a Resource Center that contains articles, tools, and other material for studying spiritual development in children and adolescents.
Focus on the Family
Focus on the Family is a global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive. We provide help and resources for couples to build healthy marriages that reflect God’s design, and for parents to raise their children according to morals and values grounded in biblical principles.

General Data about Children/Families

Search Insitute
Link to the free resources section of the Search Institute, a group who has surveyed more than 3 million children. While they do offer other, paid resources, this free information is a great way to started!
Child Trends
"Child Trends is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research center that studies children at all stages of development...they are supported by local, state, and federal governments; and private sector funders."
ChildStats.gov
"This signature report of the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics, features stats on children and families in the United States across a range of domains, including family and social environment, economic circumstances, health care, physical environment and safety, behavior, education and health."
Education Commission of the States
ECS seeks to provides effective policy and education for children by "providing data, research, analysis and leadership; and by facilitating collaboration, the exchange of ideas among the states and long-range strategic thinking."