Impact of COVID-19 on Youth

As the nations around the world grapple with the global pandemic COVID-19 by imposing lockdown, the dynamics of social and interpersonal relationships are changing. Social distancing has unveiled the dark elements of the society. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the life of every individual in our country. It has resulted in severe social and economic impacts around the place. Youth in India comprises more than one-fourth of the total population. The sector which is most vulnerable to the ruckus caused by the pandemic is the youth of India. The majority of the section is endangered of losing education, economic, and employment opportunities along with their health and well-being during such a crucial stage of their life development. The upsurge in unemployment as a result of COVID-19 is predicted to exceed the rise in rates of unemployment in the aftermath of the 2009 global financial crisis. Some additional effects on young people may include- increased loneliness and isolation, lack of safe space – including not being able to access their youth club/ service and lack of safe spaces at home, challenging family/trusted relationships, higher risk for engaging in cyber crime or other harmful practices.

The pandemic and the unprecedented measures to contain its spread are disrupting nearly every aspect of adolescent’s lives: their health, development, learning, behaviour, their families’ economic security and their protection from violence and abuse. Vulnerable and marginalized youth are at a specific risk of COVID-19 and the high levels of stress and isolation impacts their brain development, sometimes with irreparable long-term consequences. Young migrants and refugees, youth in the rural areas, adolescent girls and young women, indigenous and ethnic minority youth, young persons with infirmities, young people of different sexual orientations and gender identities, and homeless youth face challenges in accessing healthcare services and social protection. Prolonged social isolation and stress are expected to increase the incidences of young people with mental health conditions. Migrant and displaced children and families may not be reached with vital information in a language they understand, fueling anxiety. It is noteworthy that anxiety among the adolescents travel faster than any virus, hence this may have long-term consequences. The college students living in hostels or far-off places from their hometown are at great risk because of prolonged isolation. Young girls are the most adversely affected, with containment measures resulting in increased gender-based violence, child pregnancy and even child marriage, UNICEF reports. 

There has been a gradual increase in the screen-time usage during the lockdown in almost all age groups whether in urban area or rural area. CSC e-Governance Services India has recorded that the internet data consumption during the lockdown period has increased by approximately 100%. The activities and dependency on social media has increased and consequently, the cyber crime has surged. Most of the cyber-crime offenders belong to the young generation, a tech-savvy and educated crop, who are totally unaware of the severe consequences of their acts.  Kerala has recorded the highest number of cyber-crimes during the lockdown and henceforth the State Government has taken appropriate steps to tackle this menace. 

National Commission for Women has reported that there has been a significant increase in instances of online abuse, indecent exposure, obscenity, sextortion, online stalking, cyber bullying, blackmailing, morphing, revenge pornography etc. against young girls. While downloading applications, users tend to give permissions to access their personal information readily available on their phones, laptops and/or social media accounts in order to use the services provided by the applications. They are duped online through malware links which gets access to all the phone data and leaks their personal pictures. The victims of such crimes are reluctant to report to the cyber cell. The recent incident of Bois Locker Room, in which a suspected juvenile committed suicide, represents the worrisome state of mental health amongst Indian Youth. In April, 2020 Madras High Court while lifting an interim ban on the short video-sharing app Tik-Tok, expressed its distress about increasing crimes against children. The application is used by approximately 200 million Indian users, majority of them being under 18 years of age. The application has allegedly been propagating pornographic content, acid attacks and exposing children to predators. As per the directions of the Court, the application developers have now updated their community guidelines to ensure no such content is uploaded.

India was already struggling with deluge of fake news and after the outbreak of this pandemic, the situation has worsened. Misinformation related to Coronavirus has spread like fire during the lockdown and has created hurdles for the government at all levels to fight against the pandemic.  The doctored videos and misinformation is routinely shared on all social media platforms and is triggering mob lynching, communal tensions and affecting adversely the mental health of citizens. The adolescents are more susceptible to fake news and disinformation messages. Government of India has launched a Chabot on WhatsApp and Facebook will help verify fake news and curb the spread of rumors. Another issue that has raised concerns in the recent days is ransom and spyware. Because of lockdown, most of the customers opt for digital payment modes for paying their utility bills, premiums, recharge their mobile phones, buy medicines and essential commodities online and indulge in various such online activities. This has increased the spyware and ransom attacks and resulted in huge financial losses to the users.

The government and NGOs must ensure that there are adequate counseling services for the youth, through email or telephone. The schools and colleges must try to keep the students engaged by giving academic and non-academic work. They should provide motivational lectures, webinars and counseling. Under the existing circumstances, it is significant that youth’s mental health is given paramount importance besides other casualties. As per UNICEF, “If not adequately or appropriately addressed, the mental health consequences for a generation of children and young people could far surpass the immediate health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving long-term social and economic consequences in its wake.” Health education, public health promotion, and providing a positive atmosphere for the youth are critical in combating the spread and effects of COVID-19. As the crisis unfolds, there will be a diverse range of youth policy responses that are tailored to specific contexts and needs. The parents should restrict screen time if their children by engage them in creative activities like drawing, craft work, reading, writing, or even cooking. If any sign of anxiety or depression are seen, it must be given cognizance and treated properly. Besides, young women should use social media responsibly. They are advised not to share personal content on social media, whether the person is known or unknown. If they have been subjected to any online or physical abuse, they should immediately report the matter to the nearest cyber cell, police station, National/State Women Commission, National/State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, or any NGO for appropriate action.

By-

Bhawna Gandhi,

Student Advisor, Section for Law Students, INBA