Human behavior represents the latent and expressive capacity of various
physiological, psychological, and social activities at all stages of human life;
however, the earlier the habits are formed, the more likely they are to take root and
flourish the COVID-19 pandemic infected more than 164 million people in more
than 200 countries around the world according to the World Health Organization
(WHO). This outbreak of COVID-19 has affected the mental health of
adolescents. The two key pillars of human civilization - social interaction and
structured schedules - have been distorted by the pandemic, which has led to
significant psychological effects on children and adolescents. Social behavioral
adaptations (e.g., social distancing, isolation, etc.) impact children's and
adolescents' lifestyle activities and lead to increased incidence of psychosocial
problems, worsening of preexisting mental illness, and fears of infection,
uncertainty, isolation, and stress. Understanding the impact of these changes on their social
behavior is essential for providing the necessary support and intervention . Investigating the impact of
these changes on their physical health, overall well-being, and the potential long-term consequences is
vital for implementing targeted interventions and promoting healthy habits. In
the light of this,
this project highlights the pattern of behavior among teens after the pandemic.
Causes or symptoms
Children and adolescents were greatly impacted by the abrupt withdrawal from school,
social life and outdoor activities. They were highly exposed to biopsychosocial
stressors. The stress they are subjected to directly impacts their mental health on
account of increased anxiety, changes in their diets and in school dynamics, fear or even
failing to scale the problem.
As Blackmore said “the adolescence period is considered a time of deep learning about
the social environment when several key aspects of social cognition continue to
develop, including the comprehension of other people's emotions, intentions, and
beliefs” but the pandemic restricted the social learning of individuals. Many adolescents
during the COVID-19 pandemic were unable to attend schools which culminated in
limited interaction with peers, imposing a gap on their social network. Periods without
school are also associated with decreased physical activity; increased screen time,
irregular sleep patterns, and less appropriate diets in children and adolescents.
The students were confined to their houses which created a sense of isolation among
them. Some of them also experienced domestic violence growing. This stressful
environment somehow affected their food habits as well resulting in increased Obesity
among children and young people.
The frequent use of electronic devices ranging from phones to laptops increased.
Excessive screen time, cyberbullying, and comparison with idealized online personas contributed to
feelings of low self-esteem, social anxiety, and a distorted perception of reality.
Understanding the causes and symptoms associated with the behavioral patterns among teenagers after
the pandemic is crucial in identifying the challenges they face and developing support systems to help
them navigate these unprecedented times.
Effects
The pandemic challenged adolescents’ basic beliefs about living in a safe and controllable world.Various
effects were observed in adolescents namely distorted social relationships, mental health, conduct
problems, lack of physical activity and upsurge in screen time, and diversified future life expectations.
Peer relationships were disrupted in this time of social deprivation. In fact, one of the greatest
pandemic-related concerns reported by adolescents is not feeling connected to friends. The pandemic
may also have affected relationships within the family: financial insecurity, caregiving burden and
confinement-related stress which adversely affected parent–child relationships
The pandemic took a strong toll on the mental health of teenagers. Due to prolonged isolation and lack
of interactions a hike in mental health related issues such as anxiety and depression was observed.
Sociophobia was recorded in many individuals.It was also observed that children especially adolescents
became impatient and developed anger issues.
A significant lack of physical activity was also noted in teenagers leading to increased obesity and a
number of health issues ranging from higher blood pressure levels to neurovascular diseases.
the economic recession triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic hit those who werein the initial phase of
their labour market career the hardest.This made adolescents even more pessimistic about their future
prospects.
However the impact of COVID-19 Pandemic was positive as well. Pro social acts, social acts which are
directed towards the benefits of others were practiced by teenagers at a large scale. Especially children
between age of 16-17 reported prosocial experiences toward their friends as well.
Suggestions
Pandemic's consequenceson teenagers' behavioral patterns may vary widely depending on cultural,
individual, and socioeconomic factors but to overcome these a few key strategies may be applied.
the low self esteem and dwindled confindence of teenagers can be remedied through Worshops related
to meditational practices and emotional resilience to help the child to increase their focus and
concentration levels and cope with the increased stress and anxiety.
Schools can provide a variety of physical education programs, extracurricular sports activities,
and wellness initiatives to encourage regular exercise and healthy habits. Educating teenagers
about the importance of balanced nutrition and self-care practices can also contribute to their
physical and mental well-being
It is the need of the hour to organise Digital well being and mentorship programmes as the usage of
technological devices has increased three fold since the pandemic so these programs are integral to help
the children find a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Mentors can provide guidance
and a safe space to teenagers for discussing their concerns.
Creating a positive and inclusive learning environment that values student engagement,
encourages participation, and incorporates real-world applications into the curriculum can help
reignite their interest in learning
Since the adolescents are the future, they should eb enrolled in financial literacy and entrepreneurship
courses to that they can learn about budgeting, saving and responsible money management.it will also
encourage the children to come up with innovative ideas and foster sills of creativity,critical thinking and
problem solving.
A few nature retreats can also be organized for chidren to reduce their stress levels and increase peer to
peer interactions. These will also enourage the students to explore nature.
These strategies can assist us to combat the effects of pandemic on teenagers.
Conclusion
In summation, mitigating the repercussions of pandemic-induced behavioral patterns among teenagers
necessitates an all-encompassing and nuanced approach.
parents should communicate and interact with their children and give them freedom both inside
and outside the home. Program makers and educators should create and implement their
programs by paying regard to the current pandemic process Children who experience cognitive
changes should be supported by educators, program makers, and parents with strategies to
support their metacognitive skills. Teachers should plan outdoor activities where children can be
more physically active, and families should plan leisure time activities, especially outdoors,
where children can stay physically active in order to both reduce the time children spend in front
of the screen and increase physical activity time. . Program makers and educators should create
and implement their programs by paying regard to the current pandemic process. In order to
improve the psychological well-being and resilience of children, highquality psychological
support services must be provided by psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychological counselors.
with the implementation of these comprehensive strategies, we extend the vital support and resources
imperative for guiding teenagers through the labyrinthine challenges of the post-pandemic era,
bolstering their overall well-being, and cultivating the resilience necessary to thrive in a world irrevocably
transformed by the pandemic
Objectives
1.
Examine pandemic-induced changes in teenagers' social behavior, encompassing interpersonal
relationships, social interactions, and group dynamics.
2. Analyze the pandemic's impact on teenagers' emotional well-being due to prolonged isolation and
remote learning, including the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
3. Investigate alterations in teenagers' technology usage and social media habits, exploring potential effects
on their social behavior, communication patterns, and self-esteem.
4. Assess the influence of pandemic-related restrictions on teenagers' physical activity levels and sedentary
behaviors, considering long-term implications for overall health and well-being.
5. Explore pandemic effects on teenagers' academic motivation, learning habits, and educational aspirations,
identifying strategies for academic reengagement.
6. Examine pandemic-driven shifts in teenagers' identity formation, encompassing new interests, career
aspirations, and creative self-expression.
7. Assess changes in risk-taking behaviors among teenagers after the pandemic, such as substance abuse
and dangerous activities, and propose preventive measures.
8. Investigate the role of parental influence and family dynamics in shaping teenagers' post-pandemic
behavior, including adjustments in household rules, communication strategies, and parental support.
9. Explore the relationship between socio-economic factors and post-pandemic behavioral patterns among
teenagers, focusing on disparities in access to resources, education, and mental health support.
10. Develop evidence-based recommendations and interventions to cultivate healthy behavioral patterns and
resilience among teenagers in the post-pandemic landscape
https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-09429-3
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-021-02204-6
https://www.cureus.com/articles/115745-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-the-behaviorsand-attitudes-of-children-and-adolescents-a-cross-sectional-study#!/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-021-02204-6
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2779450
https://youtu.be/eLOMeDw1M_g
https://keck.usc.edu/study-covid-19-pandemic-widens-exercise-gap-betweenyounger-schoolchildren-and-adolescents/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jora.12668
Certificate
This is to certify that Chitvi Joshi a student of class XII, session 2023-2024 from
DAV Public School, Patiala has completed her project titled Pattern of behavior
among teens after the pandemic as per the guidelines issues by C.B.S.E under the
guidance of the undersigned.
She has taken proper care and utmost sincerity in the completion of this project.
Signature of teacher:
Name of teacher:
Acknowledgment
I am extremely thankful to everyone who supported me, for I have completed my
project effectively and on time.
My sincere gratitude goes to my teacher, Mrs.___________, who provided me
with the opportunity to engage in such a fruitful research and provided help and
guidance for completing the project.
I owe a deep sense of gratitude to my teammates, Surbhi, Disha, Dhruv and
Gurkaran for their valuable suggestion, support, help and foresight during the
entire phase of my research work.
I want to express my profound gratitude to my family members for the moral
support and encouragement that they extended to keep me in high spirits.
Lastly, I would like to thank all my supporters who have motivated to me to fulfill
this project before the timeline.
Author’s reflection
The COVID-19 pandemic sometimes feels like a frightening nightmare, but its effects remind us of its very
real presence. This puzzling contrast arises from how deeply it disrupted our lives and left lasting
impressions on our minds together as a society.
As a witness to the shifts in high school students' behavior after the pandemic, one cannot help but be
astounded by the striking and intricate interplay of influences that the COVID-19 crisis has exerted on the
lives of adolescents. Discovering the teenagers navigating through such tough times and witnessing
subsequent evolution of their personalities is intellectually captivating.
Foremost, the pandemic served as a significant eye-opener for many children. It taught them the
paramount importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of upheaval. Despite the chaos and
disruptions, teenagers attended hybrid classes and swiftly adapted to a novel routine.
The period of isolation and heightened health consciousness during the pandemic has led to a
remarkable increase in children's awareness of various health conditions, prompting them to take
proactive measures to maintain their well-being and physical fitness. Concurrently, the significant surge in
social media usage has facilitated a newfound comfort among children in discussing topics that were
previously considered taboo or overlooked. These now-open conversations encompass crucial subjects
such as body positivity, mental health conditions and trauma.
It is heartening to see schools providing a safe and supportive environment for children post-pandemic.
Teachers have proven to be pillars of support, not solely focusing on academics but also actively
contributing to the holistic development of each child's personality. schools have taken significant strides
in implementing programs aimed at enhancing the well-being of children. the reintroduction of various
co-curricular activities reflects a proactive approach to reestablishing a sense of routine and normalcy in
the lives of children. schools have embraced the responsibility of nurturing the overall growth and wellbeing of children
Undoubtedly, the pandemic brought about negative consequences, with a significant surge in digital
media consumption being one of them, observed globally. Moreover, the overwhelming exposure to
death, despondency, and turmoil has undeniably taken a toll on teenagers' mental well-being, leading to
increased introversion in their interpersonal interactions.
While the pandemic has imparted valuable lessons in health consciousness and social responsibility, it is
crucial to proactively address the adversities that have arisen, notably the detrimental impact of excessive
screen time and mental health problems. By acknowledging these challenges, we can take deliberate
steps to foster a healthier and more balanced future.