Growing up in the shadow of COVID-19

8 months after the pandemic, the UK government’s inadequate consideration of young people in the response to COVID-19 is causing lasting damage to an entire generation. Although children and adolescents are generally less clinically vulnerable to COVID-19 than adults, the broader effects of COVID-19 policies have disproportionately and negatively affected youth.

Data from multiple sources show that during the first phase of the pandemic in March-June, the closure of schools, daycare centers and outdoor play spaces and the reduction of clinical and community services have put health at risk. child and widened pre-existing disparities. The first results of a survey of 500 parents showed that young children (0-3 years) from disadvantaged backgrounds were less likely to participate in enriching activities, had less access to outdoor spaces and books, and had more daily screen time than their richer peers. . In some areas of England, more than half of health visitors supporting new parents and babies have been reassigned to COVID-19 services, raising concerns about lost needs in growth, development and protection. of young children. A quarter of pupils (approximately 2.5 million children in the UK) received no education or tutoring during the lockdown; While 74% of those in private schools had full days of instruction, the proportion was only 38% for students in public schools. The canceled exams and the highly criticized grading system have left many students losing college places and facing an uncertain future. Young people are also more likely to work in sectors affected by COVID-19; In the Social Mobility Survey, 11% of 16-25 year olds reported losing their job between February and September, compared with 5% of older adults, and nearly 60% of young people reported a drop on your income.

Inadequate preparations during the summer – in particular, the lack of implementation of an effective test, trace and isolation strategy and little support for early reopening of schools – again left young people in chaotic condition in September. After encouraging students to return to college campuses, many were left isolated in their residences with limited support.

Now that the UK faces a second wave, these mistakes must not be repeated. The needs of children and adolescents should no longer be overlooked in policymaking. Child health and social services must remain accessible and adequately staffed, especially as winter often has peak demand for acute and emergency pediatric care. Schools must remain open as long as possible; In the event of closures, additional support, such as free school meals and access to laptops and Internet connections, should be provided to vulnerable children to prevent further disparities. Refresher tutoring and careful exam planning should be implemented in 2021 to give students a fair chance at this crucial stage of life.