UCLan research finds increasing numbers of children reporting problems during lockdown

The research found deeper challenges were faced by children in alternative care and care leavers, young Roma, children in vulnerable family situations and those with experience of poverty, disability, migration, or exposure to sexual exploitation, violence and trafficking.

The study, conducted in April 2020 by a team of experts led by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), analysed accounts of current practices from 96 children’s rights and participation professionals.

Professor Cath Larkins, Director at UCLan’s Centre for Children and Young People’s Participation, said: “This is a time of significant stress and uncertainty for children, and these challenges are taking a particular toll on the most disadvantaged young people in our societies.

"But children are also making contributions at the frontline of caring, and are creating solutions.”

The research indicates that in 30% of the countries surveyed, children are involved in creating and suggesting solutions which could help improve their experiences of isolation, education and safeguarding. This includes young Roma and Travellers creating videos and posters to share ideas about keeping safe and keeping busy, and disabled young people designing a new research study to understand the long-term impact of COVID-19 on their peers.

However, these insights offered by children are not being consistently taken into account, particularly at the national level. Around 70 percent of survey respondents indicated there were no attempts to learn from children’s perspectives.

Jana Hainsworth, Secretary General of Eurochild, said: “Public authorities should have participation strategies in place ensuring they respond rapidly to provide information to children and to learn from children about their needs. This is especially important during a pandemic, as many countries begin to ease restrictions placed on everyday life. It’s important that measures are put in place to help children feel supported and heard during this period, and that they can help shape the future.”

The lack of involvement of children, highlighted as a concern by the report, echoes previous research and current guidance from the United Nations, which has indicated how involving children can play a vital role in reducing and recovering from risks and disasters.