Netherlands Youth Institute: ‘Keep essential school functions going’

The role of children in the spread of the coronavirus appears to have been limited so far. However, the infection rate among young people aged 13 to 18 has risen over the past week, while it continues to fall among other age groups. The question is what is needed to prevent the virus from spreading among young people and what influence a school closure might have.

Involvement

It is important to recognise that young people play an important role in the spread of the coronavirus. This makes it necessary for them to think along about possible measures. Moreover, in this way they learn to share responsibility for their future prospects. So work together with young people to see how they can better comply with the coronavirus measures, both inside and outside school.

By now, enough is known about the consequences of closing schools for students’ mental and physical health, safety and inequality of opportunity. The development of children and young people may stagnate if schools are no longer able to fulfil their essential functions in the areas of qualification, socialisation and personal development. It is therefore important to keep these three functions going, regardless of the form of education: in person, online or blended. If necessary, this can be adapted for each school and each student.

Compliance

All schools can work together with young people to consider how students can better comply with the coronavirus measures. They can also ensure that contact between students and teachers, and between students themselves, continues as much as possible, possibly in cooperation with sports and community services. If students are at risk of falling behind or becoming isolated, it is important that they have regular contact with, for example, their mentor, or can find a place of their own at school.

Furthermore, it is necessary to create clarity and calm for schools and their students. This can be achieved through clear, nationwide measures that apply to everyone, such as extending holidays, a clear testing and quarantine policy, clear enforcement, and possibly a face-mask requirement.