The lockdowns caused by the infamous Covid-19 have affected us in more ways than we can count. Schools and other educational facilities have been some of the most impacted societies. Students worldwide have not only been educationally challenged but socially too.

Students have ‘been feeling isolated and socially anxious' due to the extended periods spent alone, says a year 7 student. Younger years in schools have been ‘unable to form friendship bonds’ that are so simple, yet strong and significant in helping guide and lighten moods in schools. These young teenagers have not been able to adapt to their new schooling environments. This does not only deprive them of social interaction, which have been scientifically proven to reduce both physical and mental health issues, but it also creates barriers as they are still uncomfortable and ‘awkward’ around their peers and teachers. It is important, especially at a young age, to develop social skills, that feel ‘almost impossible to gain because of this pandemic’, to help with a variety of possible future situations. In addition, as explained before, social issues have a knock-on effect into other aspects of life, such as health.

School pupils also need contact with more knowledgeable years to assist with the school experience. However, because of year group bubbles it has reached the stage where some students ‘could not imagine sitting next to people in older years, like a year 11, when eating lunch’. Similarly, older students like to mentor and influence others as it improves character. Schools form their own communities, and the separation of students has caused these ‘communities to weaken’. Before we faced this pandemic, students acted as siblings to one another, ‘people who they can ask for advice from’. Today we rely on ourselves.

Even though being self-serving can be viewed as a negative trait, it also means independence. In a way that is not particularly favoured, pupils are being prepared for ‘the real world’, where they must be self-reliant. They have ‘learnt how to work and learn remotely’ and in some cases have even ‘taught themselves parts of the curriculum’. More people have reached out during this time than ever before and people are supporting them. Even if it is not in the ideal way, we have still found ways to non-physically socialise. Although it may be less effective it is still something. People may not see it, but, in a way, although the lockdowns have taken a large toll on us they have forced us to evolve as a society.