Survey reveals exam fears of Fife youngsters in coronavirus lockdown

The figures were contained in a new study commissioned by the Scottish Youth Parliament, YouthLink Scotland and Young Scot.

It revealed that almost all young people in Fife are worried about their exams, coursework – and the impact coronavirus will have on their future.

With schools and colleges currently closed, some 92% of young people are concerned about exams and coursework while almost 95% are worried about the impact of coronavirus on their future.

The Lockdown Lowdown survey also sought to identify what young people need from the Scottish Government, the NHS, local authorities and others in the future.

It found that more than three-quarters (90%) of young people in Fife are concerned about their mental wellbeing and two in five (39%) are are not confident accessing information on mental health and wellbeing.

Nine out of ten (93%) young people know how to access information, advice and updates around lockdown,but 60% don’t know where to go – and comes at a time when almost three-quarters (70%) of young Scots are concerned about their financial situation.

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/health/coronavirus/ps5m-loss-income-fife-sports-trust-result-lockdown-2552238

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More than 2,400 people across Scotland took part in the research.

Jack Dudgeon MSYP, who chairs the Scottish Youth Parliament, said: “Young people need reassurance that their life opportunities are not at risk.

“Before the pandemic, we already knew that young people were battling a mental health epidemic, with rates of depression and anxiety skyrocketing. The findings from Lockdown Lowdown reveal that young people in Fife are concerned about their own mental wellbeing. We will work with decision-makers for the benefit of young people’s futures in the context COVID-19.”

Young Fifers are being encouraged to keep submitting their questions and concerns on a weekly survey hosted on social media. This will track the key issues that are worrying young people in Scotland and Young Scot will respond to these insights and tailor daily digital information to ensure that young people have all the information they need.

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Allan Crow, Editor, Fife Free Press