4 | COVID-19 concerns raised by children and young people Case studies: Positive experiences of COVID-19 restrictions ‘Hana’, aged 12, told Kids Helpline that she just wanted a chat. She said that she has been washing her hands and singing happy birthday to keep her safe against COVID-19. She is enjoying keeping in contact with her best friend, and lots of other friends, via phone messaging. Her mum and dad have been spending more time with her during lockdown, and she has been helping out cooking. ‘Lisa’, aged 16, has a history of anxiety and depression, and has attempted suicide in the past. She regularly contacts the counsellors at Kids Helpline. This time she lets the counsellor know she’s been going pretty well and that she’s liking being in lockdown and doing online learning. She has noticed an improvement in her mental health as a result. ‘Reynold’, aged 17, told Kids Helpline that he is thriving during the pandemic because his stress levels have gone down due to not having to go to school and interact with people face-to-face, not having to wake up early, and not having group work and team events. He suffers from social anxiety and describes himself as an introvert. 42 ‘Roxanne’, aged 20, rang Kids Helpline to check in with her regular counsellor. She says she is feeling thankful for Centrelink benefits and a scholarship allowance to purchase a new laptop. Also, one of her lecturers told her that they will not be passing or failing any students for the course this term, which takes a lot of pressure off. She said she feels a bit guilty, but the introvert in her is actually enjoying the shutdown. ‘Julie’, aged 22, rang Kids Helpline to reflect on how the world was changing, and how this is affecting her philosophy on life. Because of COVID-19 she has realised that she doesn’t need to achieve great things to have meaning. She has been relaxing more at home, where she lives with a flatmate, and has been walking around the neighbourhood appreciating the small things.