4 | COVID-19 concerns raised by children and young people Six percent (161) of children and young people raised fears of contracting COVID-19 themselves. This was most likely to be raised as a concern by children aged 5-10 and young people aged 18-25 than children aged 11-14 and 15-17. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people raised concerns about contracting COVID-19 more than children and young people who did not identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. It was the third most frequent concern raised by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. Most children and young people who mentioned this fear did not provide detail about these fears, simply saying they were worried about getting COVID-19. A few children and young people indicated they were concerned that they might die. Some children and young people indicated that they had been, or are being, tested for COVID-19. A number of children and young people indicated they were fearful of going to places that might put them at risk of getting the virus, for example returning to school, or visiting hospitals. Case studies: Fear of contracting COVID-19 ‘Noah’, aged 10, told Kids Helpline that he is afraid that he and his family would get sick from the virus. He has trouble sleeping at times due to scary thoughts. Recently he watched a scary movie with his older brothers about someone falling sick and dying, and it has made him extra scared. ‘Sarita’, aged 12, rang Kids Helpline to say she was overwhelmed by fears she might get COVID-19. She has an ongoing health problem related to her heart. Her mum is a hairdresser but is not working because of the virus. Her mum has gone out to buy face masks for Sarita when she leaves the house, so she doesn’t get the virus. 36 ‘Jake’, aged 17, rang Kids Helpline because he was worried he may have COVID-19, and would have to go to hospital. He had been in bed for two days and was having trouble breathing. His foster carers said they were going to call an ambulance for him, but he is anxious about how he will be treated in hospital. He has struggled with mental health issues for several years. 4.11 Parent, carer and other support people’s concerns (a) Parent/carer concerns about COVID-19 Some parents and carers are worried about COVID-19 and place restrictions on children and young people to address their concerns. In 69 contacts to Kids Helpline, children and young people raised COVID-19 in the context of their parent or carer concerns about COVID-19 and its impacts, rather than, or in addition to, their own concerns. This issue was raised by children and young people across all age groups, with slightly higher proportions of children in the younger age groups. It was raised more often by children and young people who are transgender or gender diverse, compared to females and males.