Written by the CultivaTeen Roots Team

7-minute read

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the world five years ago, meaning your teen was likely in elementary or middle school during this challenging time. This age group was one of the most impacted, from remote learning difficulties to social isolation, the impact on adolescents’ mental health, education, and social development was and remains significant. It may be difficult at times to distinguish between typical teenage angst and the lingering impacts of the pandemic; however, having a broader understanding of how this experience affected young people can help you provide the support your adolescent needs

The Impact of COVID-19 on Teens

1. Academic Setbacks

Remote learning brought many challenges for students, families, and educators. While some children were able to adapt, many faced significant learning obstacles. A study by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that average reading and math scores for 13-year-olds dropped to their lowest levels in decades during 2022.

What You Can Do:

• Support your teen in building self-advocacy skills, something they did not have much opportunity to practice during remote learning-  encourage them to raise their hand in class if they don’t understand something or email their teacher for clarity on assignments.
• Create consistent study routines at home- during the pandemic, your child was able to have a flexible schedule. Help reinforce structure by prompting them to build in time for academic responsibilities outside of school.
• Encourage small study groups- this can support your teens' learning and social skill development. Remote learning provides limited opportunities for students to work collaboratively, so this is a great way for them to build connections and learn to problem-solve with their peers. 
• Connect with teachers to identify and address specific learning gaps. Part of the learning process comes from the relationship students can build with their teachers. Talk with your teen about making an effort to build rapport with their teacher, and do not hesitate to reach out as a parent if you have specific concerns.

2. Mental Health Challenges

The pandemic increased mental health issues among children and teens. According to the CDC, in 2021, 37% of high school students reported poor mental health, and 44% felt persistently sad or hopeless. Feelings of loneliness increased due to a lack of social interaction, feelings of hopelessness and uncertainty, along with disrupted routines, contributed significantly to this crisis.

What You Can Do:

• Create safe spaces for open communication about feelings and experiences- ask your teen open-ended questions and validate their feelings by repeating back what you heard.
• Discuss and provide access to counseling or therapy if needed- make sure your teen knows that professional support is available if needed.
• Create boundaries around technology and social media use- teens have become reliant on their mobile devices to fulfill social needs. By creating boundaries, you are forcing your teen to get these needs met more healthily.
• Encourage regular physical movement and opportunities for socialization!

3.  Social and Emotional Maturity Growth Hurdles

Due to the pandemic, your child likely missed some important social milestones or experiences, such as group activities, school dances, field trips, and the first day of school. These moments are valuable because they create opportunities for your child to experience discomfort, excitement, frustration, anticipation, and wonder. Their absence leaves a hole where critical skills should be, such as age-appropriate group behaviors, problem-solving skills, and resilience, potentially creating some social or behavioral challenges for your child. 

What You Can Do:

• Encourage opportunities for social interactions: require your teen to participate in a minimum of one extracurricular activity of their choice each year (some ideas: school clubs, sports, volunteering, after-school job) 
• Help your teen build coping skills: your child likely missed out on having to navigate difficult social situations at the start of the pandemic. Remind them that tough feelings are normal and don’t last forever. We talk more about building coping skills with your teen in our course, Making AdoleSense! 
• Meet them where they’re at: every person is different, so you may have a teen who has enthusiastically jumped back into the swing of things or one who is struggling to re-engage socially. Validate your teen’s feelings and move at their pace
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help: if you are noticing that your teen is exhibiting concerning behaviors or their social isolation seems beyond what is typical, do not be afraid to ask for help. Your teen’s pediatrician or school counselor is a good place to start!

4. Increased Screen Time and Digital Media

The reliance on digital devices during the pandemic has led to an increase in the use of screen time for today's teens. Excessive use of social media and personal devices can negatively impact attention spans, sleep quality, and social interactions. The impact of social media and technology on the development and mental health of adolescents cannot be ignored. At Cultivate Roots, we are hard at work creating a bonus learning module for parents all about this important topic.

What You Can Do:

• Set boundaries for screen time and encourage offline activities. If you need more support with boundary setting, check out our course, Making AdoleSense- we have an entire module focused on this topic! 
• Create tech-free zones or times in the home.
• Model healthy screen habits yourself- it’s easy to impose screen time rules for your teens without realizing that you are also guilty of spending too much time on your device. They are addicting after all! Your teen is always watching, so choosing to spend less time on your device will go a long way in supporting the reduction of their use.

Moving Forward: How Parents Can Support Teens

Supporting teens in the aftermath of COVID-19 is a journey that requires empathy,  understanding, patience, and proactive involvement. By thoughtfully addressing academic setbacks, mental health concerns, and social challenges, parents can work alongside their teens to navigate this difficult period. 

Sources:

1. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Report, 2022
2. CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2021
3. American Psychological Association (APA) COVID-19 Impact Study, 2021
4. UNESCO Learning Loss Report, 2021
5. Journal of Adolescent Health: COVID-19 and Adolescent Mental Health