We all are worried for the young people. they are already a very marginalized and isolated group and now that has intensified greatly .many exist in unhappy homes with little chances for escape or support .with the whole nation now being told to stay at home these young people are left trapped with the people they are desperate to escape from and even less capable to be who they are.
Here are some of the impacts of the pandemic on the youth:
- Challenging family relationships : many people are relying on jobs and school as an escape from home because they don’t get along with the rest of the family
- Increased loneliness and isolation : some of us have no siblings and if we do maybe the all grown up and they are taking care of their own families .and we also scared to talk to our own parents due to fear of judgment and being scolded so you prefer being alone in isolation .
- Lack of space: which includes not being able to access their youth club/service or friends to talk to and lack of safe spaces at home.
- Increased social media or online pressure: most of the youth are suffering from (FOMO) fear of missing out they just want to always see what their rich friends are doing or wearing .and what that does is making you strain to get designer clothes or shoes or bags you saw someone with things you can barely afford .because even your family is struggling to make ends meet.
- Higher risks for sexual exploitation or grooming.
- Increased mental health or wellbeing concerns: so many people are reading and listening to the news all day since we just home .some of it is fake news and we getting scared, some may even be having panic attacks .we trying to figure out how to stay safe while still staying mentally sane .depression is going to be up during this outbreak you don’t realize it until it’s too late.
- Higher risks for engaging in gangs, substance misuse: almost everyone is at home and most have nothing to do and not everyone can afford to do the online learning. So what do we result to? Violence and substance abuse to pass the time. We have lost many young people to crime.
- Lack of trusted relationships or someone to turn to.