# Factors Associated with Changes in Capability-Wellbeing for Children and Young People of Secondary School Age During the First COVID-19 Lockdown

## TL;DR

This study examines how the first UK lockdown affected the wellbeing of children and young people, identifying factors linked to positive and negative changes.

## Contribution

The paper provides the first analysis of factors associated with changes in capability-wellbeing during the first UK lockdown for children and young people.

## Key findings

- Older age, being female, and white-British ethnicity were linked to negative changes in wellbeing.
- More TV time and less reading or social interaction were associated with negative outcomes.
- Social media use showed both positive and negative effects on relationships and wellbeing.

## Abstract

Concerns about the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on children’s and young people’s wellbeing have been reported, but information about changes in wellbeing in terms of capabilities is limited. This study explores factors associated with changes in capability-wellbeing of children and young people during the first UK lockdown in March 2020. Data from an online survey of 687 participants aged 11–15 years was analysed using a staged logistic regression approach. Associations were explored between 25 potential explanatory variables across four groups (i. sociodemographic characteristics; ii. schooling and learning; iii. living situation; iv. other activities) and seven capability-wellbeing outcomes (safety and security; talking and support; having fun; achievement; relationships with: people I live with; family I don’t live with; friends). Odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals and p-values were used to identify independent associations. Several variables were associated with changes in capability-wellbeing from approximately 85% of the survey sample. Negative changes were associated with older age, girls, white-British ethnicity and owning no or one vehicle. Deprivation was associated with both negative and positive effects. Activities associated with negative change were more time watching TV and no time spent reading, learning new skills, playing games, and relaxing with household. Time spent talking to friends on social media was associated with both positive and negative changes. This study provides the first analysis of factors associated with changes in capability-wellbeing for children and young people during the first UK COVID-19 lockdown, identifying groups that may benefit from additional support in similar future contexts.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12187-025-10294-y.