Children’s perspectives and experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and UK public health measures
Jill Thompson, Grace Spencer and Penny Curtis have explored children’s perspectives on the pandemic (Health Expectations, Dec. 2021)
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on how we live our lives; yet, the implications for children and the effects on children’s everyday lives have been relatively underacknowledged. Understanding children’s views on COVID-19 and related restrictions on their lives provides an important opportunity to understand how children have responded to the pandemic, including the impacts on their social and emotional well-being.
Objective
This study explored the experiences and perspectives of children in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions on everyday life.
Method
A qualitative study using semistructured online interviews with participatory drawings was undertaken between May and July 2020. Eighteen children from England and Wales, aged 7–11 years, participated in interviews.
Findings
Themes included children’s reflections on (1) COVID-19 as a deadly contagion; (2) fears and sadness and (3) social responsibility and opportunities to respond positively.
Conclusions
Young children offer insightful reflections on their experiences during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Children and young people’s perspectives must be considered in future public health discourse.