Section 5: Children’s mental health and wellbeing over the past two years Across different groups of children, ‘less time with friends and family in person’ was a common concern. Top three causes of worry by different groups of children: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children (n=170): Parents/guardians and grandparents responding on behalf of their child said that the top three things that they thought caused worry for their children were: 1. Less time with friends and family in person 2. Missing out on things they usually look forward to, like holidays and school camps 3. Feeling unsure about the world around them Children with a disability (n=247): 1. Less time with friends and family in person 2. Missing out on things I look forward to, like holidays and school camps 3. Catching or spreading COVID-19 1. Less time with friends and family in person 2. Missing out on things I look forward to, like holidays and school camps 3. Feeling unsure about the world around me Children who identify as non-binary or other (n=109): Children living in country towns (n=641): 1. Feeling lonely 2. Feeling unsure about the world around me 3. How I look 1. Less time with friends and family in person 2. Missing out on things I look forward to, like holidays and school camps 3. Catching or spreading COVID-19 Children living in rural and remote areas (n=190): Children from culturally or ethnically diverse backgrounds (n=534): 1. Less time with friends and family in person 2. Missing out on things I look forward to, like holidays and school camps 3. Catching or spreading COVID-19 1. Missing out on things I look forward to, like holidays and school camps 2. Less time with friends and family in person 3. Catching or spreading COVID-19 Children living in capital cities or large regional cities (n=2236): 1. Missing out on things I look forward to, like holidays and school camps 2. Less time with friends and family in person 3. Catching or spreading COVID-19 44 | ‘Mental health shapes my life’: COVID-19 & kids’ wellbeing • 2022 | 45