MORE than three-quarters of young people are worried about the impact the coronavirus is having on their mental health and wellbeing.

The Lockdown Lowdown survey, commissioned by Youthlink Scotland, Young Scot and Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP), asked young people from throughout Scotland to share their concerns about Covid-19.

The research found that 77 per cent of young people are concerned about their mental wellbeing, while 40 per cent of young people are not confident accessing information on mental health and wellbeing.

More than 2,400 young people across Scotland took part in the research and many respondents stated that decision-makers should improve the impact on education, while calling for restrictions to be stricter.

Erin Campbell, 17, is the depute convener of the SYP Equalities and Human Rights Committee and represents Musselburgh and Midlothian North.

The Musselburgh Grammar School pupil felt the findings matched what young people were saying to them.

Erin stressed the coronavirus was not simply a physical health issue but also impacted upon mental health.

The Musselburgh resident said: “In my own personal opinion, I’d say it’s crucial that young people who usually attend therapy or community mental health services still have access to those things, whilst also keeping in mind that not all young people will have access to the internet, especially those in rural areas.

“I would say (I’m unsure if this matches with the official East Lothian results, but just from a personal perspective) the biggest issue that is affecting young people’s mental health currently, besides the virus itself, is the uncertainty towards exams.

“Up until a few days ago, I myself was unaware how my exams would be marked and whether I should be completing work or not, which caused me a lot of anxiety.

“I think it’s vital that organisations like the SQA and schools themselves are upfront about their plans and make them easily accessible to everyone, again remembering that the internet is not always accessible for all.”

The county’s MSP, Iain Gray, said the global pandemic had been a disruptive and worrying time for everyone but particularly young people.

He added: “Given this dramatic and rapid change and the unique situation we all find ourselves in, it is hardly surprising that the survey has revealed significant worries relating to the crisis.

“However, the findings on the impact young people feel the crisis is having on their mental wellbeing and personal finances are particularly informative as we continue to chart a course through the pandemic.

“I hope that the government, local authorities and other decision-makers will take note of the results and use them to help ensure that the ongoing policy response to Covid-19 also considers the needs of young people.”

Tim Frew, CEO of YouthLink Scotland, said the survey’s findings echoed what was being said by youth workers across Scotland.

He added: “Many young people are anxious about what life is like now and what it will be like post lockdown, and the impact of social isolation on their mental health and wellbeing.

“Youth workers will continue to find innovative ways to support young people through this uncertain time in their lives.

“It is not just the actions as a society we take now that will be crucial; young people deserve a commitment to the continuity of the services that support them post Covid-19.”