Over 2,000 young voices heard in pandemic case study

A new case study from the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry has captured the pandemic’s profound effects on children and young people. More than 2,000 from across Scotland shared their experiences.  

The material was collected through the Inquiry’s public participation programme, which invites people to share their experiences, impacts and lessons they think should be learned. This included submitted evidence from Children in Scotland, highlighting the impact on education, mental health and inequalities.   

The depth of experiences shared paints a complex picture, with contributions speaking to issues of disrupted education, social isolation and missed milestones. It is evidence of a substantial disruption to their relationships, experiences and mental health during this time.  

Key findings include: 

• Children and young people expressed various challenges with the shift to remote learning when educational institutions closed. Many had to lean on support from home with lesson delivery and supplementary support not suiting their needs.
• Some found measures such as mask-wearing, one-way corridor systems and playground separation a hugely challenging environment
• Many felt the guidance provided by the Scottish Government was unclear, confusing, and fear-inducing
• Mental wellbeing effects were the dominant theme throughout responses, with feelings of boredom, isolation and loneliness cited throughout.
• Many talked about the negative impact on social skills and new feelings of social anxiety.
• Experiences of the pandemic varied widely depending on personal circumstances.
• Hobbies, clubs and youth services are heavily relied upon for emotional fulfillment amongst children and young people
• Not all responses were negative. Some spoke positively about more time for relaxation, leisure activities and development of new skills.

Suggested lessons to be learned included putting mental health support within easy reach, addressing digital inequality and the need to include young people in the decision-making process where it affects them.

You can read the full Inquiry here