Young people develop anxiety during pandemic
More than half of young people have developed anxiety about social interaction and six in ten are concerned about maintaining social distancing at school, a survey has found.
You n g p e o p l e a re f e e l - i n g m o re l o n e l y, i s o l ate d , stressed and "digitally wornout" following the coronavirus lockdown, according to research by YMCA England and Wales.
While nine in 10 missed face-to-face engagement, 52 per cent have anxiety about social interaction and 63 per cent are worried about being able to maintain social distancing when they return to school.
S o m e 5 7 p e r c e nt a re worried about not having a safe space to socialise with friends, 44 per cent feel anxious to be in social spaces and 36 per cent feel scared of the outside world. They are also worried about falling behind at school, future exam results and their job prospects.
Some 1,009 11-to-16-yearolds were surveyed by the charity between July 24 and 27.
The YMCA is calling for significant reinvestment in youth services so young people can access safe spaces, mentors, mediation and mental health support.
Denise Hatton, chief executive of YMCA England & Wales, said: "The introduction of lockdown has accelerated and exacerbated the situation, with young people forced to stay at home, isolate themselves from their peers and be without access to positive activities.
"A generation which was already at a disadvantage have been dealt a further blow by COVID-19 and face deep uncertainty about what is next for them in its wake.
"What is essential to support young people are safe spaces like youth services.”