1980s: coming of age

It was the decade of big hair, fluorescent socks, electropop, BMX bikes and the ZX Spectrum. We checked in with you twice in the 1980s, when you were 10 and 16. In the following stories, published over seven weeks, we explore the surveys you took part in in the eighties, and look at how the information you shared has been used in research.

Coming of age in the 1980s – an animated tour To round off the decade of curly perms and synthpop, we’ve prepared an animated tour of the decade’s main cultural and political highlights, as well as BCS70’s main milestones and most important discoveries.

Life stories – Claire Celebrating 50 years of the 1970 British Cohort Study – With five decades of invaluable service to British science and society, what has it been like for our BCS70 members to take part? This week we speak to Claire. Important discoveries from the 1970 British Cohort Study – reading for pleasure Findings from BCS70 about the powerful benefits of reading for pleasure are among the most influential discoveries the study has generated to date. Age 16 Survey – Dietary diaries To celebrate 50 years of BCS70, over the next 12 months we’ll be highlighting interesting features from the surveys. During the Age 16 Survey, study members were given a 4-day dietary diary to complete.

Life stories – James Celebrating 50 years of the 1970 British Cohort Study – With five decades of invaluable service to British science and society, what has it been like for our BCS70 study members to take part? This week we speak to James.  Important discoveries from the 1970 British Cohort Study – Age 10 Survey Research using data from BCS70 has revealed that parents’ interest in children’s education has long lasting benefits. Age 10 Survey – Medical check Study members were given a thorough health check at ages 10 and 46. At age 10, we also asked you to complete some coordination tasks (with varying success rates!).