Data access and usage
Learn about the type of data we collect and how to access it for research projects.
Data we collect
We have collected data across 9 waves on a broad range of topics from participating young people, their parents and teachers spanning over 20 years.
The study's research domains include:
- health and wellbeing
- education
- family and parenting
- social, economic, and cultural environment
- childcare and early education.
The study also links to administrative databases (with participant consent) that adds valuable information to supplement the data collected during fieldwork.
For more information see our data use documentation.
Who can apply
Researchers (including students with supervisory input) affiliated with a university or other recognised research institutes, government departments or agencies, peak bodies and not-for-profit organisations are eligible to apply to access and use Growing Up in Australia data. Access is only granted to individuals, not on an institutional basis.
Data is available to research projects that serve the public good, are scientifically and ethically sound, and contribute to the knowledge base on the development and wellbeing of children in Australia.
How to apply
LSAC data is free to access by the Australian Data Archive. To apply to access LSAC data:
- register for an account with Dataverse
- read the data access use guidelines
- download and sign the Confidentiality Deed Poll
- if applicable, complete the Longitudinal Studies Data Holdings Form
- email the Confidentiality Deed Poll and Data Holdings form (if applicable) to [email protected]and [email protected]
There are 2 types of datasets available:
- General Release which has more sensitive information removed
- Restricted Release which includes more detailed data but has stricter access requirements.
Researchers external to Australia can only access General Release data, but may have an opportunity to access Restricted Release Data if working with Australian-based collaborators.
Using LSAC questions in other studies
Some items in Growing Up in Australia are copyrighted and cannot be used without permission of the copyright holders. If you are a researcher who intends to use items from the Growing Up in Australia study, please contact the LSAC team to let us know which items you would like to use, and some general information on the sample to be surveyed in your study. We will then advise whether the items are copyrighted or have been developed by other studies, and provide you with the appropriate acknowledgement text, or direct you to the copyright owner.