The Finnish Youth Research Society and VIVE, the Danish centre for Social Science Research compiled two reports to study how children and young people’s participation in education and leisure was enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Nordic countries. Different initiatives were studied via expert interviews and a research overview. The research focus covers children from school age (seven years) until 25 years of age.
The primary report focused on measures and strategies for ensuring the participation of children and young people in the Nordic countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several interviews were conducted in spring 2022, and these were supported by collecting material, including official statements, online. The research timeframe was from the start of the pandemic in March 2020 until late spring 2022.
The second report aimed to produce an overview of research about the conditions for children and young people’s right to be heard and participate in education and leisure during a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic in the Nordic Region. The purpose of this study was to learn about existing and future research knowledge and data concerning the consequences of the pandemic for children and young people in terms of distance learning and free time during restrictions, including aspects such as wellbeing, loneliness and attendance to hobbies, cultural events, or youth services. The study identifies existing, ongoing, and planned research and analysis of the consequences of the pandemic for Nordic children and young people. The research material has been published from March 2020 to the end of August 2022, and forthcoming or freshly published works have been included throughout the writing process.
The reports are part of a four-year project that aims to increase knowledge and cooperation in the Nordic region concerning Children and Young People’s Opportunities for Participation and Development During the COVID-19 Pandemic. The project falls under the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Action Plan for 2021–2024. The goal is for the Nordic region to become the world’s most sustainable and integrated region. A central objective of this goal is to ensure equal opportunities for the development and participation of all children and youth in the region.
- Start year:
- 2022
- End year:
- 2023
