SYNC Summary

The e-magazine 'The Adolescent Brain in the Coronavirus Crisis: From Vulnerabilities to Opportunities' is packed with knowledge about vulnerabilities and opportunities for young people during the coronavirus crisis. Based on this knowledge, researchers from the Erasmus SYNC lab formulated tips that professionals, parents and caregivers, and policymakers can put into practice. Education can also benefit from these insights.

Vulnerabilities of young people

  • There are many changes in the brain during the teenage years. As a result, this is precisely the period in which young people engage in social contacts in order to develop into adults. However, young people's social development is threatened by the coronavirus measures.
  • Not all young people fared badly during the first lockdown. Some felt more energetic and experienced less tension and stress, probably because obligations were removed. Relatively speaking, young people over 18 found it particularly difficult: they experienced the most tension and unrest and worried the most.
  • Parents and young people who already had mental health problems before the coronavirus crisis experienced more stress during the first lockdown. As a result, their mental well-being deteriorated further. If parents were unable to cope well with stress, this sometimes intensified stress among young people.
  • Between May and November 2020, young people of all ages experienced more negative emotions, such as tension and depression. The longer the crisis and the measures last, the greater the negative effect on young people.
  • Vulnerable young people from families experiencing financial difficulties or difficult home situations are hit particularly hard by the coronavirus crisis.

Opportunities for young people

  • Young people consider it important to comply with the coronavirus measures, especially when their friends and peers do so as well.
  • Young people also see positive aspects of the coronavirus crisis, such as opportunities for personal development and more time with family.
  • During the coronavirus crisis, young people are willing to do a great deal for others. For example, they can put themselves in others' shoes more easily and are especially generous toward people affected by the crisis.
  • The more support young people provide to their immediate surroundings during the crisis—especially to their families—the more generous they are, particularly toward those who are strongly affected by the crisis, such as coronavirus patients, people with vulnerable immune systems, and doctors.
  • Young people who are inspired in the media by uplifting stories about human kindness are more helpful and more willing to comply with the coronavirus measures.
  • Teenagers provide support to peers on a daily basis more often than adults do.

Tips for professionals, parents and caregivers, and policymakers

  • Young people need social interactions with peers to develop in a healthy way. Within the applicable measures, give them opportunities to go out and strengthen their relationships with others.
  • The crisis severely restricts young people's autonomy. This makes it more difficult for them to discover who they are and what role they want to take on as adults in society. Help young people on this journey of discovery by giving them freedom of choice wherever possible.
  • Many young people struggle with feelings of loneliness and a lack of prospects. Work with them to devise solutions.
  • Vulnerable young people and families are hit particularly hard and benefit from additional support, such as emergency accommodation. Be alert to young people and families who remain under the radar.
  • Do not expect every individual to be equally resilient, but invest in the layers surrounding young people, such as schools, neighbourhoods, and governing bodies.
  • Dare to look beyond the short term and work with young people to identify opportunities for them to continue developing to their full potential even after the coronavirus crisis.
  • Media campaigns are more likely to succeed if they are developed together with young people. Share news about the positive sides of humanity; this inspires young people to commit themselves to helping others.
  • Doing something good for others benefits not only society but also young people themselves. Therefore, give young people opportunities to contribute to their immediate surroundings and to society.

Involving young people in science and policy: YoungXperts

Young people have a strong drive to shape and improve the society of the future. They are good at solving problems and thinking outside the box. Involve them in devising solutions to existing problems. The SYNC lab has launched an initiative that can help with this: YoungXperts. Here, together with young people, we turn scientific knowledge (The Facts) into practical implementations (Take Actions). Would you also like to get started? Then take a look at www.youngxperts.nl soon.