Colman Noctor: Children's voices must be heard in decisions about their welfare

Dr Colman Noctor: No one wants to lose two years of our social lives to pandemic lockdowns, but I would much rather surrender two years in adulthood than during childhood or adolescence. The developmental trajectory is so steep during these life periods that any missed steps will have significant consequences for those affected

I always hesitate to mention the words 'covid', 'pandemic' and 'lockdown' as they are reminders of a time most of us want to forget. Lockdown measures were so constraining it’s no wonder we don’t want to stir up those memories. However, while restrictions are no longer an aspect of our lives, almost every conversation with young people in my clinic reflects the impact of the pandemic.  Whether it is a missed opportunity for social and emotional development or feeling unprepared to manage transitions, the impact of the pandemic is a constant theme.

Beyond my therapy room, the high levels of anxiety many young people are experiencing, along with growing numbers reporting feelings of loneliness and disconnection coupled with a reliance on technology for communication, are plain to see.