The Children and Young People’s Voices research project has been collecting the testimonies from 600 children and young people aged between nine and 22 since April this year.
This includes the views of young people disproportionately impacted by the health crisis, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Their stories will now be presented to the UK Covid 19 Inquiry as part of its eighth investigation, which will focus on the pandemic’s impact on children and young people.
A full report of their stories will be published ahead of these hearings in autumn 2025.
Isolation, losing friendships, loss of learning and the impact of the pandemic on their home life are among issues to arise in the children's accounts.
In addition, children recount positive memories of developing new interests and hobbies.
One young person whose views were collected said: “A lot has changed between then and now and it has definitely shaped me despite the turmoil: from building new online connections, losing friendships, having a lack of learning and being isolated from family and loved ones.
“It was very difficult to cope, however looking back on it, I realise it was a great and enjoyable time of my life, and for that I’m very thankful!”
During the research young people from across the UK, including Belfast, Bangor, Cardiff, Dundee, Derby, Sunderland and Southampton, took part.
“It is vital that young people are listened to, so the Inquiry can learn lessons for the future, said The Covid Inquiry’s deputy secretary Kate Eisenstein
“The pandemic had a huge impact on the lives of children and young people and it is right that the Inquiry takes the time to understand the range of experiences that children and young people from different walks of life and different parts of the UK went through.
“Our Children and Young People’s Voices research project has heard from children and young people across the country on a huge range of subjects, from children being worried about parents getting ill, to teenagers struggling with their schoolwork as well as more positive experiences such as finding new hobbies.
“Findings from this research will now help inform our investigations and help shape the chair’s recommendations so we are better prepared for the next pandemic.”
