Young people’s views on their role in the COVID-19 pandemic and society’s recovery from it

Abstract

ObjectiveThere has been little formal exploration of how young people see their role in the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/settingFocus-group discussion with 15 Children’s Hospital Young People’s Forum members (23/5) to explore their perspective on the impact of COVID-19 on both their lives and those of their community, on school closures, and the role they wished to play in society’s recovery from the pandemic. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim using NVivo Software and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach.OutcomeFour major themes identified: (1) Awareness of pandemic’s impact on others: participants showed mature awareness of the effects on broader society, especially the elderly, socially disadvantaged and parents. (2) Perceived impact on their own lives: principal concerns were the educational and practical repercussions of school closures and social isolation, including effects on educational prospects. (3) Views about school reopening: young people understood the broader rationale for school reopening and were generally positive about it, but expressed concerned about their safety and that of others. (4) Communication issues: a need for clear, concise, understandable information readily accessible for young people was expressed. Up to now, they felt passive recipients rather than participants.ConclusionYoung people were concerned about their future, their family and broader society, consistent with a high level of moral development. They want to be active participants in social recovery, including concepts around return to school but require appropriate information and a means by which their voices can be heard. The alternative suggested roles as pawns or pathfinders were discounted.

Impacts of school closures on physical and mental health of children and young people: a systematic review

“…Whilst some of the increase in screentime may have reflected online learning, evidence from outside our review suggests that young people themselves are concerned about the impact of high amounts of screen time on their wellbeing. 101…”

Young People's Risk Perception and Experience in Connection with COVID-19

“…Most YP perceived the information as sufficient, understandable, trustworthy and covering their informational needs. Larcher et al (2020) did a focus group interview with fifteen YP (age 11-18) and found that their main concern were the effects on vulnerable others and their own education and future. The YP also wanted information adapted to their needs.…”

Work of a paediatric bioethics centre during the COVID-19 pandemic first phase

“…They felt little more than passive recipients in recovery planning towards the end of the first lockdown. 15 …”

“…4 A paper and blog about children's role in pandemic recovery 14 led to a video-conference with the GOSH-Young People's Forum regarding the pandemic and their role in recovery with analysis published, together with the young people (see below under Reflection and the future). 15 PBC members authored a BMJ Blog about the function of ethics committees and chaplaincy support during the pandemic, 16 and an article on the adult ICU legal situation. 17 Box 1 Challenges children's hospital staff faced during the pandemic ► Challenges meeting personal obligations to safeguard family at home and continue to meet professional obligations to continue to work.…”