The COVID-19 pandemic and child and adolescent mental health—what has been learned and lessons for the future

ABSTRACT

Children and young people have arguably been the group most affected by the societal response to COVID-19. The quality of the evidence base globally on the impact of COVID-19 on child mental health is highly variable. However, it is clear that the pandemic has been associated with an overall deterioration in mental health in children and young people at a population level, but with evidence of unequal impacts on different groups. This chapter draws on the available evidence at the time of writing to provide an overview of a spectrum of topics, from the effects of acute COVID-19 illness on children and young people, to the impact on at-risk groups, and access to mental health services and education during the pandemic, as well as discussing the implications and recommendations for research, practice, and policy.