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"They are in a period of vulnerability in which interaction with peers is a vital aspect of their social development," they warn.
International experts have called for greater awareness of the possible repercussions of physical distancing on adolescent relationships and their social development. In an opinion article, the authors point out that adolescents could be more susceptible to the negative effects of distancing during covid-19, since "they are in a period of vulnerability in which interaction with peers is a vital aspect of their social development".
In their text, published in the journal 'The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health', they call on politicians to urgently take young people into account when considering the possibility of making interpersonal distancing measures more flexible, and for the reopening of schools and other social settings for young people be a priority when it is considered safe to do so.
A "delicate" period
The authors warn that adolescence is a "delicate period in the lives of young people, in which their social environment and interactions with peers are important for brain development, mental health, and the development of a sense of self." ". They believe reduced face-to-face social contact with peers may "disrupt this and could have detrimental long-term effects."
Adolescence is a period of greatest vulnerability to mental health problems, since 75% of adults who have ever had a mental health problem experienced their first symptoms before the age of 24. Researchers are also examining how the use of digital technologies and social media could mitigate some of the negative effects of social distancing, helping to maintain connections between young people and their friends.
"Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, many young people around the world currently have many fewer opportunities to interact face-to-face with their peers in their social network at a time in their lives when this is crucial for their development. "While physical distancing measures are temporary, several months represent a large proportion of a young person's life. We urge policymakers to urgently consider the wellbeing of young people at this time," explains lead author Sarah-Jayne. Blakemore, from the Department of Psychology at the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom).
