Researchers form the University of Luxembourg conducted a study investigating how children and youths between the age of 6 and 16 lived through lockdown, confinement, and home-schooling.

Around 3,000 pupils and students participated in the research project, which included kids from both Luxembourg and abroad. The study was designed to focus on the direct input from the concerned children, rather than questioning their parents.

The project included a form with more than 60 questions regarding life during the pandemic. Among other things, children were asked to indicate the greatest benefits and biggest disadvantages of that period.

Many participants indicated that they enjoyed the increased family time, even if some parents were still busy with remote work. Others noted that they experienced more fights and disputes during the lockdown. Others again stated that there was nothing positive about the pandemic.

Claudine Kirsch from the University of Luxembourg underlined in an RTL interview that overall, life satisfaction for children and teenagers has decreased since the beginning of the outbreak. Many indicated growing fears that they themselves or their loved-ones could contract the virus.

According to the study, girls displayed more negative emotions than boys, especially sadness and fear. It is also noteworthy that children from lower income families indicated more concerns about the pandemic. Compared to children abroad, those living in the Grand Duchy are also more scared of contracting the virus than for instance Germans or Brazilians.

When it comes to home-schooling, children with trouble adapting to the new frame displayed less satisfaction. On the other hand, Kirsch emphasised that a great number of participants indicated that grown-ups listened to their problems during lockdown and confinement. The study thus shows that those children and teenagers had fewer worries when the crisis began.