With speculations of new lockdowns and tougher restrictions come a plethora of contrasting opinions, yet one underlying issue urges to be addressed - the effect of the pandemic on teenagers’ mental health. 

 

Last year’s 23rd March saw the announcement of a national lockdown in England, with the government instructing citizens to ‘stay at home’ for an indefinite period. The unprecedented event was met with sentiments of shock, anxiety, and contrarily, perhaps relief and excitement to pause the hectic ordeal of everyday life. 

 

Nevertheless, possibly due to uncertainties surrounding the current situation, or lack of face-to-face contact with friends and family, 83% of teenagers who participated in a Young Minds survey admitted that their mental health had worsened, just in the first five days of lockdown. Unfortunately, these numbers stood their ground throughout the summer, as in September of the same year 87% of teens participating in the survey agreed that they had felt isolated throughout the lockdown period. Despite this, a small 11% of teenagers reported that their mental health had improved during the isolation period, as some felt that academic pressures had been reduced. 

 

Many teenagers today believe that the lockdowns will have a long-term effect on their mental health, and it is fundamental that schools and the government offer adequate resources and aid to all young people in the country; it is necessary to limit negative impacts and present ways of dealing with lower mental states. 

 

Ultimately, mental health cannot be ignored even in states of emergency. Many organisations such as Young Minds or charities such as Mind offer immediate support and resources.

Data from Young Minds