A new study commissioned by YouthLink Scotland, Scottish Youth Parliament and Young Scot asked young people from every community in Scotland to share their concerns about COVID-19.
The results of the Lockdown Lowdown survey has revealed that 96% of young people worry about the impact of coronavirus on their future, with 77% worried about their mental health and wellbeing.
Commissioned by Youthlink Scotland, Young Scot and Scottish Youth Parliament, the survey asked young people from every community in Scotland to share their concerns about COVID-19.
You can read the full report here.
The research found that more than three-quarters (77%) of young people are concerned about their mental wellbeing and two in five (40%) young people are not confident accessing information on mental health and wellbeing.
While nine out of ten (91%) young people know how to access information, advice and updates around lockdown, 61% don’t know where to access information on financial support. That comes at a time when almost three-quarters (70%) of young Scots are concerned about their financial situation.
More than 2,400 young people across Scotland took part in the research and many respondents stated that decision-makers should improve the impact on education while calling for restrictions to be stricter.
Tim Frew, CEO of YouthLink Scotland, said: “The findings of the survey echo much of what we hear from youth workers across Scotland.
“Many young people are anxious about what life is like now and what it will be like post lockdown, and the impact of social isolation on their mental health and wellbeing. Youth workers will continue to find innovative ways to support young people through this uncertain time in their lives.
“It is not just the actions as a society we take now that will be crucial, young people deserve a commitment to the continuity of the services that support them post COVID-19.”
Read the blog
Hear from #IWill Scottish ambassador Rachael Hatfield about the results of the #LockdownLowdown survey, calling for the voices of young people to be heard as Scotland prepares for a new normal. Read the blog here.
Snapshot questions
Each weekend we will be asking young people 5 snapshot questions on how they’re feeling about COVID-19 #LockdownLowdown. This is giving us insight into what some young people are experiencing right now. Results are helping to track issues and inform COVID-19 digital information. Keep an eye out on YouthLink Scotland’s, Young Scot’s and SYP’s social channels each Friday at 12noon for the survey link and encourage young people to take part