In these extraordinary times, every one of us is facing challenges, and as a parent, I often find myself concerned about how this pandemic is affecting our children. While I worry about younger kids who may struggle developmentally and about elementary-age children who grasp the situation on some level yet fail to fully comprehend it, my greatest concern lies with teenagers.
Unlike their younger counterparts who rely heavily on parental guidance, teens are at a pivotal stage in their development where social connections are crucial. Their prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making, isn’t fully matured, making them more prone to impulsive choices—like taking the car for an unnecessary trip to the store. Psychologist Sarah Liang emphasizes that teens are in the “identity formation” phase, where pushing boundaries is common, complicating efforts to instill the importance of social distancing—like avoiding a pick-up basketball game with friends at a nearby park.
Friendships become increasingly vital during this time, and the enforced isolation from peers can feel overwhelming. As developmental psychologist Mark Hargrove from the University of California points out, adults often underestimate the significance of peer relationships, viewing them as distractions rather than essential support systems. Unfortunately, the pandemic has stripped away these critical in-person interactions, leaving teens unable to banter with friends in hallways, share jokes over lunch, or engage in friendly competition on the basketball court. While virtual platforms like FaceTime, group chats, and online gaming offer some connection, they lack the warmth and immediacy of face-to-face encounters.
The psychological toll of this crisis is profound, with experts noting that what we are experiencing can be characterized as both grief and trauma. Many teens, however, may struggle to articulate their feelings, lacking the emotional tools necessary to navigate such turbulent times. As a parent, I find myself grappling with my own emotions, making it even more challenging to support my teenage son and others like him.
A recent survey conducted by Common Sense and SurveyMonkey revealed the extent of the pandemic’s impact on teens. Eighty percent reported closely following news about COVID-19, and over sixty percent expressed concern about exposure to the virus or its effect on their family’s economic stability. The survey included 849 teenagers aged 13 to 17 and was conducted from March 24 to April 1, 2020. Notably, teens of color exhibited greater anxiety regarding both health risks and economic repercussions.
Despite the best efforts to adapt to remote learning, many students find it far less effective than traditional classroom experiences. California teen Jenna explained, “Working from home has been tough; my productivity has plummeted. Plus, learning in bed is hardly ideal.” The Common Sense survey indicated that 56% of students worried about falling behind in their studies, while 55% were anxious about missing out on extracurricular activities.
The pandemic’s long-term effects on teenagers will vary based on individual circumstances. For some, the shift to remote learning presents significant hurdles due to technology access or language barriers. To address these disparities, Common Sense has partnered with various organizations to launch Wide Open School, advocating for equal access to broadband internet. They are urging Congress to fund devices and services to ensure all students can participate in remote education.
On a positive note, the survey revealed that many teens are turning to reliable sources for information. Almost half reported relying mainly on news organizations, while 37% cited friends, family, or teachers as their primary sources. Only 11% looked to social media influencers for updates. “Teens are taking the coronavirus threat seriously,” stated Alex Parker, chief research officer at SurveyMonkey. “While maintaining contact with friends and teachers through technology, over 40% report feeling lonelier and less connected than usual, highlighting a pressing concern for parents and educators.”
It’s clear that teens are not just battling worries but also feelings of loneliness. A significant portion—49% of boys and 36% of girls—reported feeling “more lonely than usual.” Nevertheless, teens are resourceful and adapt creatively; a whopping 83% are keeping in touch via text, while others find that phone calls provide comfort (though for my son and his friends, FaceTime is the preferred method).
Our teenagers are navigating a complex landscape right now. It isn’t just the milestones they are missing—such as graduations and proms—but also the day-to-day social interactions that are vital for their development. So, let’s extend kindness to our teens—and to ourselves—as we all weather this storm together.
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Summary:
Teenagers are facing unique challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, from the stress of remote learning to feelings of isolation. As they navigate this difficult period, it’s crucial for parents to provide support and understanding. While some teens are turning to reliable news sources for information, many still report feeling lonely. The importance of peer connections cannot be overstated in these trying times.
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