Professionals’ views on the mental health problems and vulnerability of children and young people during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions to everyday life for children and young people. The aim of this study was to examine professionals’ views on the mental health problems and vulnerabilities of children and young people during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a secondary analysis of an online survey completed by mental health professionals in the UK between 22 April 2020 and 12 May 2020. The final sample was N = 601 professionals who at least partly worked with children and young people. Quantitative and qualitative survey data showed that professionals were concerned about young people experiencing economic disadvantage and young people from minority ethnic groups, as pre-existing social inequalities resulted in increased risk of infection and reduced access to physical and mental health care. Professionals were concerned about young people with little family support and young people at risk of relapse or deterioration in mental health, reporting the exacerbation of pre-existing mental health difficulties and challenging behaviours. Further research, involving young people as researchers, is needed to explore the continued impact for children and young people, and their families, including in comparison to their experiences before the pandemic.