Scotland’s youth left fearful over their futures due to virus impact

Almost all of Scotland’s youth are concerned about the impact of Covid-19 on their futures, according to a new study.

A total of 96 percent of young people said they were worried about the impact the coronavirus pandemic was having on their futures in research commissioned by the Scottish Youth Parliament, Youthlink Scotland and Young Scot.

Mental health was also a major worry during the lockdown, with 77 per cent saying they were concerned about the impact it was having, while 40 per cent were unsure where they could get help. Jack Dudgeon, the chairman of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said: “Young people need reassurance that their life opportunities are not at risk.

“Before the pandemic, we already knew that young people were battling a mental health epidemic, with rates of depression and anxiety skyrocketing.

“The findings from Lockdownlowdown reveal that 40 per cent are moderately to extremely concerned about their own mental wellbeing. With their democratic mandate, members of the Scottish Youth Parliament will work with decision makers for the benefit of young people’s futures in the context of Covid-19.”

Tim Frew, chief executive of Youthlink Scotland, said: “The findings of the survey echo much of what we hear from youth workers across Scotland.

“Many young people are anxious about what life is like now and what it will be like post-lockdown, and the impact of social isolation on their mental health and wellbeing.

The survey of 2,400 young people also showed 49 per cent are concerned about exams and coursework and 61 per cent did not know where to access information on financial support.