In short, the COVID Paradox states that, to maintain physical safety, we have sacrificed emotional safety—namely, human connection needed to maintain socioemotional health.

Additionally, school closures leave many youth without access to food, health care, and trusted, caring adults.

How can we protect the emotional health of children and youth during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Turnaround for Children lists three ways that adults and youth-serving systems can mitigate some of the trauma and stress young people face, maximizing their emotional well-being during this time: relationships, routine, and resilience.

Whether its volunteering with mentorship organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters or the Scouts, lending your time to a youth sports or arts organizations, or simply developing a rapport with a young person on your block, every adult can be an ally and guide to youth.