"The most important thing is to communicate with students": experiences and voices of Canadian youth during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Published in: International journal of adolescence and youth Vol. 28; no. 1
• Main Authors: Riazi, Negin A., Goddard, Jessica, Lappin, Sarah, Michaelson, Valerie, Wade, Terrance J., Patte, Karen A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 31.12.2023; Taylor & Francis Ltd; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: Communication; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Decision making; Extracurricular activities; interviews; Mental health; Pandemics; qualitative; School closures; school policy; Secondary schools; Students; Youth; youth voices
• ISSN: 0267-3843; 2164-4527
• DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2023.2239327

This study aimed to learn directly from youth about how they navigated and experienced the COVID-19 pandemic response, with a focus on secondary school policies and protocols. Thirty semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with Canadian youth (13-18 years old, 53.3% girls, 46.7% white) and analysed using inductive interpretive description. Youth discussed challenges related to a lack of direct communication and consultation about pandemic-related decisions, the shifts between different school modalities, the loss of extracurricular opportunities, and a need for mental health support, which they connected to adverse impacts on their learning, health, and future opportunities. Participants' top recommendation for adults was to include youth in decision-making on matters that impact them. To uphold their rights, support healthy development, and ensure more effective policies/protocols, the authentic engagement of youth in decision-making processes and improved communication are necessary and were absent during the pandemic.