A study by The University of Manchester and Liverpool John Moores University has found that the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown have been an “emotional rollercoaster” for teenagers. These have created many difficult and intense feelings, as well as bringing some positives. Researchers asked young people aged 16-19 to share their lockdown experiences and over 100 responded. The researchers analyzed their accounts in order to understand what lockdown has been like for this group, what feelings it has created, and how they have managed to cope with it.
They found that 2020 has been an emotional rollercoaster for teenagers, as they have experienced intense feelings of change, loss, and uncertainty. Many felt they have missed out on important experiences, and others are worrying about their futures. One of the main findings is how turbulent this year has been for teenagers. Their day-to-day lives have changed substantially, they’re missing out on “normal” teenage experiences, from spending time with friends to traditions like exams and the last day of school, and there’s been a lot of sudden uncertainty about the future.
The lockdown hasn’t been all bad for teenagers
Some have found it helpful to feel connected to the people around them, though many have felt disconnected in lots of ways, and virtual contact with friends has not been enough. They also found it reassuring to remember that everyone is in this together, though some feel angry and frustrated with the government for its handling of the pandemic. However, the lockdown hasn’t been all bad — in some ways, teenagers have felt normal pressures have been removed and they have had a rare opportunity for personal growth and development. This may also be an important wake-up call to how much we normally ask of teenagers in everyday life.
Principal investigator Dr. Ola Demkowicz, Lecturer in Psychology of Education at The University of Manchester, said:
“Our findings show just how challenging this year has been for teenagers. As schools and universities are set to reopen, we need to make sure that mental health and wellbeing is prioritised as well as learning, making sure there are opportunities to seek support, re-connect with peers, and ease back into things slowly.
“It is important to think about how much we have asked our young people to sacrifice this year, and to make sure we can give them a sense of normality and security moving forward, including making sure re-opening schools goes smoothly and considering initiatives to help young people enter the job market.”
Provided by: University of Manchester [Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.]
