The hundreds of children and young people’s testimonies captured in the brand new Children and Young People’s Voices research report reveal how the pandemic had a profound impact and long-lasting effect on their lives. The Inquiry has enabled 600 children and young people to share their experiences of living through the pandemic. Participants, now aged 9 to 22, were between 5 and 18 years old during that  period. Many describe both the devastating consequences of illness and lockdowns as well as unearthing remarkable examples of resilience. Key findings include:

• Some experienced arguing with family members or witnessed tension between adults, meaning home was not a safe or supportive place to be confined to during lockdown.
• Limited device access and space to work at home made pandemic learning particularly challenging.
• Others recalled their experiences of exam cancellations, including frustrations about the grades they were awarded – the research includes instances where young people felt less able or inclined to go to university
• Secondary school-aged young people developed worries around body image and appearance, with some accessing mental health services for the first time.
• Physically disabled children and those with health conditions described feelings of uncertainty, fear and anxiety about catching Covid-19 and its serious implications, particularly around returning to school and college environments where they felt vulnerable and exposed.