Contents
Section 1: Introduction
4
Section 2: Methodology
6
Section 3: Demographics of children and young people that
raised COVID-19
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3.1
3.2
3.3
Sex/Gender and Age
Location
Cultural background
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10
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Section 4: COVID-19 concerns raised by children and young people
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4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13
4.14
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12
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20
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27
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35
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Concerns raised by children and young people by theme
Top COVID-19 concerns raised by children and young people by demographics
Mental health concerns resulting from COVID-19
Social isolation
Education impacts
Impacts on family life
Changes to plans and usual activities
Changes to essential services and support
Economic and work challenges
Fear of contracting COVID-19
Parent, carer and other support people’s concerns
Anxiety and confusion from hearing about COVID-19 in media
Experiences of racism and bullying related to COVID-19
Other COVID-19 issues
Section 5: Where to from here?
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5.1
5.2
5.3
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5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
Invest in child and youth-focused mental health services and support
Promote clear, accurate and child-friendly information and resources
Support schools and other educational institutions to deliver quality
online learning and maintain help and connection for vulnerable students
Extend economic support to all families and young people that need it,
and make skills development and youth employment a key focus of recovery
Prioritise services for vulnerable children and young people
Involve children and young people in responses to COVID-19 and recovery plans
Conclusion
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Impacts of COVID-19 on children and young people who contact Kids Helpline • 2020 • 3