“We’re a mess, there’s corona here!” Children’s perspectives on the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of children and has presented multiple challenges. As children’s rights are often overlooked during a public health crisis, including children in the discussion of planning and decision-making is necessary. A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted that examined children’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic from a children’s rights perspective. With an emphasis on the right to play, the right to education, and the right to an adequate standard of living, the study also explored how additional rights were influenced. Virtual interviews were conducted with 20 children between the ages of 7-12 years. Following a thematic analysis, the findings suggested children had limitations on their opportunities to play, learn, and interact with others, which impeded on their rights. However, children were resilient and able to adapt to the new way of living and were eager to be active participants in stopping the spread of the virus. Keywords: children’s rights, COVID-19, pandemic, public health