Colman Noctor: The lost generation of covid teens needs our support 

Disruption of normal developmental opportunities like hanging out in an adult-free space and making friends in secondary school was compromised by having to negotiate social distancing and wear facemasks 

Pic: iStock

Teenagers aged between 14 and 17 missed critical social and emotional milestones during the pandemic. They had to leapfrog from play dates and sleepovers, which were largely organised by their parents, to self-organising their social calendar. Many of this ‘lost generation’ continues to suffer due to prolonged lockdowns.

I facilitated several talks with parents in secondary schools recently, and many were keen to hear about ways they can support their children’s mental health as they return to post-pandemic normality. These concerns are shared by teachers and principals who also worry about young people presenting with anxiety and other emotional problems. Many admit they are struggling to know how to respond, given the volume and pervasiveness of anxiety.