4.14 Other COVID-19 issues • hoping that there will be less traffic on the roads to make it easier to pass drivers test • more time to connect with friends • A number of children and young people raised positive impacts of the restrictions on their lives, usually in conjunction with other issues that were impacting negatively on them. • Some children stated that COVID-19 was having no impact on their lives. Others were asking for information about COVID-19 and various restrictions and rules. • enjoying working from home • being able to avoid school bullying because they are studying at home • social isolation reducing exposure to an abusive family friend • university measures that reduce pressure to pass or fail subjects • fewer expectations that they can find a job • increased mental health support because the government is subsidising counselling sessions during COVID-19 Five percent (126) of children and young people raised COVID-19 related issues that fell outside of the major themes highlighted in this analysis. There was no significant difference by age group or gender for concerns under this theme. A number of children and young people raised positive impacts of the restrictions on their lives, usually in conjunction with other issues that were impacting negatively on them. For example, some children and young people were contacting Kids Helpline in relation to mental health concerns, but also mentioned how COVID-19 related restrictions or measures were helping them to cope with their issues at this time. Some of the ways in which the restrictions or changes brought about by COVID-19 were mentioned in a positive way were: • enjoying studying at home because of fewer distractions or because they found socialising stressful • spending more quality time with family • having more time to watch movies, enjoy music and appreciate small things • ‘taking a break from life’ • being able to access homeless services put in place for the lockdown • providing an excuse to leave an abusive relationship and move back to parents. A few children and young people stated that COVID-19 was not having any impacts on their life. Some children and young people raised COVID-19 only in the context of asking for more information from Kids Helpline, rather than raising a concern. For example, some were enquiring how COVID-19 was affecting the counsellor or the counselling service, but not initiating any information about COVID-19 affecting them personally. Some asked for medical information about the virus, or information about travel and other restrictions. Other ways that COVID-19 was raised by children and young people include: • expressing a desire that COVID-19 would kill them • stating that they do not have COVID-19 or are not worried by COVID-19 • speculating about the effects of the pandemic on the world • discussing a friend’s breach of self-isolation laws • impact of suspended court services on a member of their family. • looking forward to getting job relief benefits from the government Impacts of COVID-19 on children and young people who contact Kids Helpline • 2020 • 41