We all know everyone’s lives have been changed because of COVID-19, whether it’s been your health, job, social connections, or changes to your short-term plans. But what about the children and young people of Australia? How have their lives been affected, and what can we do to support them as the pandemic continues?
The Australian Human Rights Commission is inviting all children and young people aged 9-17 – and their parents and carers – to share their stories of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected them, and how they have coped.
A survey has been created to hear directly from children and young people, while another survey has been developed for parents, grandparents and carers – to hear about the pandemic’s impact on their lives.
Responses from the two surveys will help inform decisions about how the government can best support children, young people and the adults who care for them throughout the pandemic and when we finally emerge from it.
“Whether you are a child or teenager, a parent, grandparent or carer, your story is important, and sharing it will help to build better support for children in the future,” National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds said.
“Children and young people have not had many opportunities to be heard during the pandemic. This is a unique opportunity for them and their parents to contribute to recommendations for service improvements.
“The surveys will consider the social, emotional, educational, and other impacts children and young people have experienced over the past two years.
“Understanding these impacts in greater detail will help governments design better services to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people,” Commissioner Hollonds said.
The surveys are available at the Australian Human Rights Commission website until Sunday 20 March 2022. A report based on the survey responses will be available later this year.
