The report, published by the ESRI, and produced in partnership with Department of Children and Youth Affairs, draws on existing and emerging Irish and international research on the effects of the pandemic restrictions on children and young people. In particular, the report reviews research evidence in the areas of family and peer relationships, health and wellbeing, education (from early childhood to third-level) and post-school transitions to provide insights into the potential consequences of the current crisis from infancy to early adulthood.

The report concludes that:

• School closures and the lack of face-to-face interaction with peers and broader family networks are having direct effects on children’s and young people’s lives.
• The impact of the pandemic will be felt the most by young people from more disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs.
• Parental job loss and the possibility of longer-term unemployment will affect child wellbeing through greater stress in families.