How did the Covid pandemic affect children? Hundreds of young people give evidence to landmark Inquiry research project

  • Published: 19 December 2024
  • Topics: Module 8, Modules
  • UK Covid-19 Inquiry announces completion of the Children and Young People’s Voices fieldwork
  • 600 children and young people from a range of backgrounds, aged 9-22, share their experiences of life during the pandemic
  • Children’s stories of family and home life, mental health pressures and education challenges to be submitted as legal evidence

Education, lockdowns, relationships, home life and mental health during the pandemic are just some of the topics covered in first-of-its-kind research commissioned by the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

In total, 600 children and young people aged 9-22 have been able to share their personal experiences of the pandemic as part of the Children and Young People’s Voices research project, which heard directly from children and young people from April to December 2024. 

The in-depth research project heard from children and young people with disabilities or other health conditions, with over half from groups disproportionately impacted by the pandemic including those with special educational needs, physical disabilities and those living with Covid-19-related conditions, such as Long Covid.

The Inquiry commissioned independent research specialists Verian to carry out this project. Topics discussed during one-to-one interviews with children and young people included what lessons they think can be learned for the future. 

Themes that emerged during interviews included isolation and losing friendships, with participants asked to bring an object or image that reminded them of the pandemic.

The impact of lockdowns on home and school life was also discussed, and how those times impacted on the participants’ relationships with friends and family, as well as positive memories of developing new interests and hobbies.

It was great to reflect on 2020, and all of its ups and downs. 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!

Children and Young People’s Voices project participant

The research will be entered into evidence as part of the Inquiry’s eighth investigation into the impact of the pandemic on children and young people (Module 8), with hearings starting in 2025. The findings will help inform the legal team’s questioning and the Chair’s recommendations for the future to ensure lessons are learned for the next pandemic.

It is vital that young people are listened to, so the Inquiry can learn lessons for the future. 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.

Deputy Inquiry Secretary Kate Eisenstein

The research team spoke to young people across the UK including Belfast, Bangor, Cardiff, Dundee, Derby, Sunderland and Southampton. 

The full research report will be published at the start of the hearings in autumn 2025.

The Inquiry will also publish its children and young people Every Story Matters record in September 2025. This will capture the experiences of 18-25 year olds, as well as parents, carers, teachers and adults working with young people during the pandemic.