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Hiding and seeking: Children's lived experiences during COVID-19 |
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| Authors: | Donna Koller Maxime Grossi Meta van den Heuvel Peter Wong |
| Affiliation: | 1. Early Childhood Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada;2. The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada;3. Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada;4. Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada Faculty of Medicine and Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada |
| Abstract: | A qualitative study explored the perspectives and lived experiences of school-age children during COVID-19 using a child rights lens. Twenty children between the ages of 7 and 12 participated in open-ended, virtual interviews. Our hermeneutic analysis found children's right to play and education were severely compromised leaving children to navigate between two worlds: the adult world of public health restrictions and that of their childhood. Despite challenges and lost childhood opportunities, children emerged as competent social agents and responsible citizens. Planning for future pandemics should include policies and practices that balance public health needs with the protection of children's rights. |
| Keywords: | child rights COVID education pandemic play |