Young Canadians face ‘boredom, worry’ through pandemic: report

TORONTO (NEWS 1130) — While seniors have been severely impacted during the pandemic, a new report is finding that children are being impacted in different ways.

As pandemic life is about to enter its 17th week, the new norms have had an impact on the mental health of Canadian kids.

A new study conducted by Maximum City, a Toronto based organization, reveals more than half of the kids between the ages of nine and 15 are sleeping more, with nearly three quarters spending more time on technology and saying they go outside less than once a day.

“Some kids and teens reported doing just fine, while some thrived under their new academic, social and family circumstances,” the report reads. “Others struggled with the lack of school support and structure, increased time with technology, restricted mobility, reduced physical activity and social disconnection.”

(Courtesy Maximum City)

The differences in the impacts for Canda’s youth are essential to highlight, according to Maximum City, as it will help develop recommendations for policy and decision makers.

“All children and youth will need a response and recovery strategy that is not simply a return to what was considered normal before COVID-19.”

The organization recommends that a “strong recovery” needs to focus on social reconnections focused on the mental, emotional and physical health of young Canadians who are adversely impacted.

“It should also capitalize on the momentum of discoveries revealed by those who were the most resilient or reached their potential. Making the response a blunt instrument when the impacts are so varied and unevenly distributed, and the circumstances still dynamic, would be a mistake.”

Meanwhile, the top emotion they’re feeling these days is boredom.

“Boredom, sadness, happiness, calm, and worry. More than a quarter of kids and teens report positive effects of the pandemic on their lives, such as more time with family, less stress at school, or more freedom to pursue their interests. Many kids and teens feel like they are missing important life events or moments because of COVID-19.”

(Courtesy Maximum City)

The good news is that young Canadians say quality time with their families is increasing and allowing them to develop better relationships.

“An overwhelming majority of kids and teens report having an adult family member they can talk to about how they are feeling, and many have a friend who can play the same role.”

(Courtesy Maximum City)

And when helping their own peers, Canadian kids and teens are being advised of three strategies to get through these challenging times.

“Stay calm and positive, to do your part to stop the spread of COVID-19, and to make time to have fun or do something you enjoy.”

Kids also recommend talking to friends about the way you feel and “treasuring additional time with family.”

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today