EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON YOUNG PEOPLE AND COLLEGE STUDENTS
The corona-virus pandemic has disrupted the lives of so many people across the world—the effects ranging from health, economic, social and psychological crisis. In Kenya, things are not different. Transmission and death rates keep going up, and the government continue to put in place strict measures to curb the COVID-19. Part of the measures to halt the spread include closure of basic, tertiary and higher learning institutions as well as businesses.
These guidelines and restrictions have, in particular, interrupted the lives young people in colleges, internships and work. Their mental and psychological health, physical and economic lifestyles hugely impacted.
Education now solemnly depend on remote learning. For some, this works. However, for many, limited resources like lack of internet, laptops and smartphones make it hard.
Most college students come from a low-income background and cannot access smartphones, laptops or internet. These devices also require electricity, which is lacking for many young people from the informal settlement and the rural areas. This situation put them on edge. The integration of remote learning opportunity has been worsened by the recent heavy foods that have uprooted electric polls and affected thousands across the country. The situation not only bar the students from studying, but also exposes them to the virus as it’s hard to comply with the strict physical distancing measures in crowded shelters like classrooms.
For graduates, there is no clear answer on their graduation. Schools have postponed graduation ceremonies until a later date. Students writing their end semester exams, those beginning their semesters or even those in internships have also been left stranded as companies offering non-essential services are closed.
The closure of schools and work has seen social interaction between young people cut short. The weekends that were majorly spent having fun and unwinding with peers are gone. Now, they are locked at home with their immediate family members, leaving many feeling frustrated and deprived of interaction opportunities. This isolation is despite the heavy use of social media platforms by young people. The virtual relationship is said to be lacking a connection depth.
Furthermore, social media is awash with false information and half-truths about Covid-19. The platforms are now carriers of fear and anxiety, worsening the toll the novel coronavirus is having on young people’s mental health. The virus has created new barriers for those already who have mental illness or substance use disorders. Anxiety, stress and depression disorders are on an all-time high. Isolation and loss of schooling opportunities have also brought about feelings of worry. Young people fear contracting the virus or loss of loved ones and the uncertainties of the repercussions of the pandemic.
Economic hardships due to loss of internships and jobs or unpaid leave, is also affecting many young people. Most students have part-time jobs while they study. The jobs help the students to have an extra source of income to support themselves, pay for their studies or help their parents back home. But with the market slumps being experienced, most of them have lost these jobs or are forced to either work remotely with half pay while others are back to depending wholly on their parents.
For young people who don’t live with their parents, this is harder. They have been subjected to lower-earning, have lost their jobs, and have no parents nearby to cater for their needs. Meaning they cannot sustain their livelihoods, unlike older people who can rely on retirement benefits and savings.
For those beginning their careers, Covid-19 crisis has become a significant setback to them. Experts say this will have a long-term effect on their career trajectory.
And as the government continue to adopt strict measures to counter the spread of the COVID-19 virus, young girls and women are heavily impacted. Several reports indicate a spike in gender violence and sexual assaults. The perpetrators been close relatives, guardians or persons living with the victims. Experts say while the restrictions are necessary, they make it harder for survivors to report abuse or seek help. Lock-down and movement restrictions also prevent service providers to respond efficiently to the victims. Experts says if the lock-down continues, more cases will be reported.
Immorality has also founded its roots among young people due to the excess idle time. Most of them have turned to drug abuse, pornographic materials for leisure or recording themselves naked.
Due to the massive guidelines put in place to counter the spread of the virus, public gatherings and sporting events have been cancelled. As a result, physical exercise is now done at a personal level. Most young people frequented gyms to stay fit and same time socialize with their peers. This motivation is now gone as gyms remain shut to halt the spread. Lack of physical exercise is affecting sleep and eating habits and energy levels. Long term effects of lack of exercise is obesity and heart diseases.
For most young people, Covid-19 phrase is full of disbelief, sadness, and anger due to the isolation from family and friends, and missed opportunities. However, it doesn’t have to be all gloom and grim. This period offers a chance for self-discovery and pursuing other interests.
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