益普索-2021年世界青年技能日：心理健康和幸福状况恶化被视为新冠疫情流行病对儿童和青年的长期后果（英）-2021.7_32页_2mb

Summary of WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY 2021: Impact of COVID-19 on Children and Young People

Core Content

The document presents the findings of a 29-country survey conducted by Ipsos on its Global Advisor platform, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and young people's education, wellbeing, and life opportunities. It explores public perceptions regarding the challenges faced during the return to school, the long-term effects of the pandemic, and the priorities for public spending post-pandemic.

Main Findings

Top Issues Affecting Wellbeing as Children Return to School

• Maintaining focus and concentration is perceived as the biggest issue affecting children aged up to 11, with a global country average of 41%.
• For children aged 12-15, maintaining good behaviour and discipline is the top concern, with 32% of respondents selecting it.
• For children aged 16-18, maintaining focus and concentration is also the top issue, with 40% of respondents choosing it.
• Other common concerns include adjusting to changes in the school environment, reintegrating with peers and staff, and coping with worries about the virus.

Longest-Lasting Impacts of the Pandemic

• Worse mental health and wellbeing is expected to be the longest-lasting outcome, with a global country average of 41%.
• Missed formal education resulting in worse qualifications is also a major concern, with 40% of respondents identifying it.
• Fewer children finishing school and underdeveloped social skills or issues with self-esteem are also considered long-term impacts.

Public Perception on School Closures

• A global country average of 62% think school closures were/are an acceptable price to pay to reduce the spread of the virus, despite the negative outcomes.
• The acceptability varies by region, with some countries showing a higher percentage of people accepting school closures.

Improving Access to Education

• Financial support for education-related expenses is the most important measure to improve access to education, with a global country average of 41%.
• Better access to high-speed internet is the second most important, with 37% supporting it.
• Funding for computers, laptops or tablets is also seen as important, with 36% of respondents selecting it.

Key Information

Survey Methodology

• The survey was conducted between May 21st and June 4th, 2021, involving 20,010 adults across 29 countries.
• The sample size was approximately 1,000 per country for most countries, and 500 for some.
• The data is weighted to reflect the demographic profile of the adult population based on the most recent census data.

Public Spending Priorities

• Public healthcare tops the list as the priority for post-pandemic public spending, with a global country average of 41%.
• Only 27% of respondents support prioritising primary and secondary education, and 15% support vocational education and training.

Demographic Considerations

• The survey samples in some countries (e.g., Brazil, mainland China, India, etc.) are more urban, more educated, and/or more affluent than the general population.
• These samples reflect the views of the more "connected" segment of the population, and the results should be interpreted accordingly.

Conclusion

The survey highlights the significant challenges faced by children and young people returning to school post-pandemic, particularly in terms of focus and concentration, mental health, and educational outcomes. While the public generally supports school closures to prevent virus spread, there is a call for financial and technological support to improve access to education. However, public healthcare is seen as the most important area for post-pandemic investment, with primary and secondary education receiving relatively less support.