CHILDREN and young people have spoken of the lessons policy-makers must learn as they share their experiences of the pandemic in a new report published today.

Let’s Be Heard, the Scottish Covid-19 inquiry public participation project, spoke to over 2,000 young people from across the country to examine impacts on education, social development and mental health.

Two-thirds told the project that they had faced difficulties with online learning when schools closed for lockdown, missing-out on “formative moments” such as the transition from primary to secondary education.

Some, particularly those in college or university, also described feeling “overlooked” during the crisis, while in sectors such as retail and hospitality young workers told of facing “stressful encounters” with the public while also being put at heightened risk of exposure to the virus.

As well as calling for better communications with young people in any future pandemic, respondents called for greater support for young people living in challenging domestic situations, such as young carers who faced greater caring responsibilities, greater isolation and increased anxiety for their loved-ones’ health during the pandemic. 

The study also heard calls for better mental health support through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, widening its eligibility criteria and working to cut waiting times which often run to over a year.

Project chief Dr Alexandra Anderson said: “We are very grateful to everyone who took part in Let’s Be Heard, including the children and young people who engaged with us to share their experiences of the pandemic.

“It is important to hear their voices. The valuable insights, themes and observations from their responses give them an opportunity to contribute to the inquiry’s work.” 

The Scottish government was contacted for comment.