Table 2 Perceived risks to youth mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and actions to support mental health

Socioecological domain

Illustrative quotes

Actions to support mental health

Governance and equity

“The pandemic has shone a brighter light on all the infrastructural and societal issues we have been generally aware of for a long time, but for which perhaps a renewed energy should be exerted … It showed that our education system is underprepared to serve diverse needs and is mostly geared to cater to those with the most privilege. It shows that our higher education system is highly funded by unpaid Black and brown young people performing on fields, courts and arenas for wealthy people’s entertainment. It reveals that society is willing to risk some lives called ‘essential workers’ who are mostly BIPOC and low income. Especially, it reveals that during times of high stress societally, decision makers seem to let go of issues related to equity.” (>35).

“… One cannot separate the impact of the pandemic from the nationwide calls for justice and how the issues of racism further threaten our youth’s mental wellbeing. After reading all 134 characteristics below, I see there is no mention of a MHFC for youth having institutions and leaders who work to dismantle the systems of oppression and racism that cause ongoing and significant harm to our youth’s mental wellbeing.” (>35).

Dismantle systems of oppression and racism

Social norms and protections

“Implementation of initial lockdown measures forced youth along with children, adults and families to move from big cities to villages due to lack of minimum social welfare, employment and increasing hunger, homelessness etc. Labelled as ‘migrants’, cities were not able to guarantee and uphold basic rights for all youth, especially vulnerable groups. Many young people were forced to travel long distances on foot due to lack of transport or any other amenities.” (25–35).

Resourced built environment

“I believe that young people and city officials have had a re-awakening when it comes to the need for open & public spaces in cities. There is certainly not enough open space in urban settings. Young people need access to parks and open space. These spaces provide opportunities for youth to connect with themselves as individuals, with other youth, and with the community.” (25–35).

“The pandemic has highlighted the need for more creative green spaces in cities along with more accessibility. Closing parks at certain hours is a very uncomfortable public policy. Nature should not align with strict schedules designed by those who may not even use the spaces. Nature should have unlimited access.” (>35).

Policies to increase access to green and blue spaces

Supportive educational and healthcare systems

“There’s little or no access to mental health care for young people, even virtual services. Many young people lost loved ones to the virus at periods when hospitals and counseling centers were shut down. There were hardly any mass media messages providing psychological support for them or directing them to virtual access to psychological first-aid. There’s still low awareness of the scope of care and support they can get from mental health experts … Prevention activities are focused mainly on adults and the elderly, and children. Most messages created were hardly directed specifically at young people. Apparently, adolescents and young adults are still a ‘forgotten’ group of the society. Even if they were prone to the health issues or complications, they were hardly targeted specifically with health-related messages.” (>35).

“I think short courses on crisis intervention and adaptation techniques could be implemented throughout the curriculum from as early as age twelve.” (18–24).

Youth-friendly health communication and psychosocial support

Short courses

“We need safe online spaces for peers to connect (including crisis support in those spaces). I can also imagine online social gaming spaces used and adapted for positive social and mental health.” (25–35).

Safe, online peer support spaces

“Individuals have the power within themselves. Wellness is a purposeful thing done by coercion of the human will in the ever changing environment in order to attain its highest potential. Youths are in that stage where they need to be equipped with skills to promote positive mental wellbeing.” (18–24).

Skills building