Comprehensive Study Reveals the Multiple Effects of COVID-19 School Closures on Youth Well-Being

A recent international study highlights the significant and multifaceted impacts of COVID-19-related school closures on adolescent well-being. Led by the UNESCO Chair in Global Health and Education, a collaboration between the University of Huddersfield and the University of Clermont Auvergne, the research offers valuable insights into how pandemic measures affected young people across various dimensions.

The study, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, incorporated data from 60 interviews in six languages, conducted across 28 countries during the pandemic's second wave in 2021. These interviews included feedback from education and health professionals about the effects of school closures and reopening phases.

A key finding was that school closures influenced all five domains of the UN H6+ framework, which encompasses good health and nutrition, connectedness, safety, learning, and agency/resilience. The disruptions not only affected educational engagement but also widened existing inequalities. Vulnerable groups of students were disproportionately impacted, emphasizing the importance of viewing schools as more than academic institutions—they serve as vital infrastructure supporting adolescent development.

The researchers advocate for holistic policies that recognize the broader roles of schools in adolescent well-being. During recovery phases, strategies should focus on supporting mental, physical, and social health, alongside catching up academically. Such comprehensive approaches can help mitigate the long-lasting negative effects of pandemic-related disruptions.

Dr. Nicola Gray, a lead author and expert in adolescent health at the University of Huddersfield, emphasized the importance of understanding schools as multifaceted support systems: "Schools are more than a place to learn. They provide welfare and connection, which are essential for many students' futures. Policymakers must carefully weigh the consequences of school closures in any future health crisis."

The study's findings have prompted further action, including the development of a factsheet for the World Health Organization Europe and ongoing research into the long-term impacts of pandemic policies on youth health and well-being. Overall, the research underscores the necessity of adopting integrated, adolescent-centered approaches to education and health policy that can better withstand future crises.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-multiple-impacts-covid-school-closures.html