The E-Speaker

In November 2019 the world was struck with the apparition of a nasty virus driving the world into frenzy. There was a slow start to the spreading of this virus ; however, it quickly became inescapable. One of the main consequences of Covid could be the impact that it had on young people physically as well as mentally. In order to control the virus, students had to adapt in multiple different ways such as online-classes, restrictions in terms of going out, in addition to being unable to socialize. This leads us to ask what the impact of the pandemic has been on young people around the world. The articles were written by students ; therefore some mistakes may be present.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, students were severely impacted by lockdown. Indeed, no one was prepared for it.Students also reported difficulties in organizing their schedules, classes and exams. Distance learning is even more difficult. The fact that young people have to stay in front of a screen for many hours to follow a class in the isolation of their room is extremely challenging. In addition, online classes raise the issue of accessibility to learning materials. Students have had to deal with these problems, as have professors. All this results in a decrease in motivation and students feel that they have to put more time into their studies to get the same grades as usual. The pandemic could be traumatic for some people since it is a constant stress for students.

Students in academic distress

Since the Covid crisis, the life of the population and notably the student’s life has been shaken, whether it be academic, financial or mental health.

The student experience has been profoundly affected by the health crisis and the successive lockdowns, as distance learning, the closure of social spaces and the unknown future have all contributed to a climate of stress that has affected students' mental health. This generation has not fully discovered student life, only isolation. The measures taken by the government to contain the spread of the virus has led many students to isolate themselves, some in very tiny studios, and the sudden loneliness had an impact on their mental health. Between March and April 2020, there was an increase in telephone calls to a help service called « Nightline», this service has reported a higher than usual demand for this time of year. "We normally receive a significant number of calls about loneliness, and this year the number is higher," says Nightline administrator Brendan Mahon

Students’ mental health

Students said the pandemic and the resulting financial worries had seriously affected their studies. According to topuniversities 80% of British students had financial difficulties because of the health crisis which can be explained by different points : • The reduction in their incomes due to a cessation or a reduction in their paid activities. • The payment of rent for student housing when it is not occupied as they went home. • Students are still paying full tuition fees, adding to worry about student debt.

Financial worries

https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/children-poorest-countries-have-lost-nearly-four-months-schooling-start-pandemic

https://www.savethechildren.net/news/covid-19-kids-world%E2%80%99s-poorest-countries-lost-66-more-lifetime-school-richer-peers-save-children

Cadre pour la réouverture des écoles : UNICEF : https://www.unicef.org/fr/rapports/cadre-pour-la-r%C3%A9ouverture-des-%C3%A9coles

Click on the image opposite to see a student’s testimony