COVID 19 AND ADOLESCENTS

Some parents may think that today’s teens with all the reliance on technology they show nowadays, won’t be  having such a bad time with the COVID 19 confinement situation. It is true that for these past weeks, our adolescents find themselves not attending classes, with more freetime or without so many obligations, but the truth is that during adolescence, a period characterised by the search for social identity, young people need social interaction to be well. The events that facilitate this to take place: sporting events, concerts or “hanging out and having a drink somewhere”, are not permitted at the moment.

For the emotional wellbeing of our teenagers, we recommend the following:

• Help them to create their own routine that favours entertainment that includes from basic obligations such as hygiene and collaborating in the home, to recreational activities, relaxing, hobbies or small challenges, to avoid boredom.
• It is important to maintain an adequate sleep pattern, without altering the number of hours of rest or the time of rest. Due to lack of routine many teens have become nocturnal and spend part of the morning and afternoon sleeping. Certain aspects such as the darkness or tranquility of the night favour a better rest and that we do not suffer anxiety, lack of concentration or changes in our mood.
• Create a table of physical exercises, of mild or moderate difficulty, which allow them to release stress and generate the production of endorphins, also known as “the happiness hormone” so that this situation is not difficult for them.
• Avoid over information, which is abundant and negative these days. We advise not to see more than one news programme a day and not to spend more than one hour a day watching TV about what is happening, so that they do not worry excessively.
• Taking into account their personality or past experiences, encourage them to use techniques that worked for them when they were stressed, bored or frustrated, and made them feel better.
• Ask them how they feel about what is happening and ask them what their opinion is on the subject. Get them to talk about their fears or concerns and not keep them to themselves.
• Try to emphasise the positive part of the situation to be able to carry out tasks for which they previously said they had no time: redecorate their room, draw, listen to more music,etc.
• Try to manage your own emotions appropriately since right now you are a mirror for them. If they see you worried, nervous or discouraged they will unconsciously copy you. Convey confidence to ease the process of adaptation to the new circumstances.
• Perhaps it is time to be more flexible in terms of the time they spend on social networks given that at the moment, it is the only way in which they are allowed to socialise with friends.