Ecorys UK · 2022
This transnational participatory action research project engaged 70 young people aged 14–19 from the UK, Italy, Lebanon, and Singapore as co-researchers over 18 months (April 2020–November 2021) to document their lived experiences of the COVID-19 crisis. Young people reported significant educational disruption, worsening mental health, and a sense of political marginalisation, but also found unexpected opportunities for personal growth, community action, and democratic engagement. The project highlights young people's agency and resourcefulness during the pandemic, challenging media narratives that portrayed them as reckless or passive. Recommendations address governments, schools, media, and young people themselves on improving participation, mental health support, digital access, and educational accountability.