Research

Research into understanding the impacts of lockdown on children and young people from the UK COVID-19 lockdown: Leisure-less experiences

Contributors:

Ellie Gennings, Hazel J Brown, Denise Hewlett & John Batten

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Research into understanding the impacts of lockdown on children and young people from the UK COVID-19 lockdown: Leisure-less experiences
This study explores how children and teenagers in the UK felt during the COVID-19 lockdown; especially about not being able to enjoy their usual free time and activities.

This research paper, “Children and young people’s perspectives from UK lockdown: leisure-less experiences” by Ellie Gennings and colleagues (2022), focuses on what it was like for 11 to 16-year-olds when they couldn’t go outside, see friends, play sports, or visit fun places.

Through interviews with both young people and their parents, the researchers found that many children felt bored, frustrated, and missed out on important social and physical activities. While some found new ways to enjoy family time or appreciated quiet moments, most struggled with too much screen time and not enough movement.

The study highlights how important leisure activities are for young people’s mental health and overall well-being. It calls on schools, communities, and policymakers to make sure kids have access to safe, fun, and healthy ways to spend their free time, especially during difficult times like a pandemic.

If you want to better understand how lockdowns impacted children, and what can be done to support them, this paper offers clear and thoughtful insights.

Title:

Research into understanding the impacts of lockdown on children and young people from the UK COVID-19 lockdown: Leisure-less experiences

Status:
Funder:

Andrew Simpson Foundation

Partners:

Bournemouth University and Winchester University

Date published:

8th August 2022

This research further illustrates the value of being physically active outdoors, in the natural blue environment. This goes beyond the physical and mental benefits and includes a collection of life skills such as confidence, empowerment, the development of personal, social and cognitive skills.

Since the pandemic, we’ve been delighted to see that the appetite for getting out on the water is stronger than ever. It is a clear antidote to the isolation of lockdown and, as we now know from this research, being active in a blue space is key for all, particularly during these challenging times.

Richard Percy, CEO of the Andrew Simpson Foundation

Key findings:

1

Profound sense of loss due to leisure deprivation. This deprivation led to feelings of monotony and a disruption in their daily routines.

2

Despite the challenges, some children and young people developed a greater appreciation for previously routine activities and found value in simpler, family-oriented engagements.

3

Parents noted changes in their children’s behaviour, including increased irritability and restlessness, attributing these shifts to the lack of structured leisure activities and social interactions.

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