Physical Isolation, Online Schooling and Peer Development: The effects of Covid-19 pandemic on Adolescents
Children and youth have been affected both directly and indirectly since COVID-19 began in Canada in early 2020. Schools have flip-flopped between in person and online, restrictions come and go and a “normal” social life is hard to find. Physical isolation combined with a fear of infection and uncertainty have caused our young people to be extremely stressed, as noted by the Canadian Psychological Association.
When the pandemic first started, youth in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo indicated their stress stemmed from fear of their family members getting sick from the virus. Fast forward a year later and stress is still high but more related to being physically isolated from others. The transition to and from online learning is making it challenging for young people to stay focused on their tasks and the sheer volume of work to complete in a non-traditional learning environment. On top of that, many youths in our community have been in and out of isolation several times due to positive COVID-19 exposures.
An important time for growth and learning
Adolescence is an important time for peer development. Peer groups provide an important context for youth for social and emotional support and play a significant role in socialization behaviour. When our young people are isolated, they lose out on those important interactions with others in their age group. We are seeing more young people expressing feelings of loneliness and depression, which in turn can impact their success in school, risk-taking behaviour, relationships with their family and loved ones and even mortality.
We know mental distress has increased through COVID for Canadian youth and as adults, we have a responsibility to look at different ways to understand their feelings and take action to support them.
Here are some ways you can help your adolescent children while they continue online schooling:
Recognize and address the stress: Adolescence is a time of big changes and it can be overwhelming when we add on the stress of a global pandemic. Adults can provide stability and support to help youth cope, as well as access to professional support as needed.
Establish a routine: Try to set up a similar structure around the school day. This could mean checking in each morning on what their daily assignments entail. You could even set daily alarms that can help signal your young person when it is time to switch tasks, subjects and when it’s time for breaks.
Make space for emotions: Transitioning to remote schooling can be met with some resistance. It is normal for our youth to feel angry, anxious, and sad about these changing norms. Accept that these are valid and intense feelings and help your youth find ways to cope with these emotions through talking, journaling, or exercising.
Role-model: A great way to help your youth stay on track is to model good behaviour you want to see for them. Just as your child needs to complete daily tasks, you need to do the same. Establishing a proper workspace, model the importance of breaks, eating regular meals, staying hydrated, and getting some exercise to re-focus and stay energized.
Help adolescents stay socially connected: Encourage youth to reach out to friends and family via phone, video chats, social media, or even through video games.
Resources:
Some Other Solutions: Child and Youth Programs
Adentist Health (2020). Helping Your Teen With Distance Learning.
https://www.adventisthealth.org/blog/2020/august/helping-your-teen-with-distance-learning/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020). Covid-19 Parental Resource Kit; Adolescence.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/parental-resource-kit/adolescence.html
Dumas, T.M & Ellis, W.E (2020). Physically Isolated but Socially Connected: Psychological adjustment and stress among adolescents during the initial covid-19 crisis. Canadian Psychological Association, 52(3), 177-187.