Covid-19 Kids...Growing Up In a Pandemic

Today's kids are growing up in challenging times.  One of the biggest factors is Covid-19.  The pandemic has significantly impacted the lives of kids and how they are growing up.
 
Kidscreen magazine recently released some stats about today's kids and how they are being affected by the pandemic.  Let's look at some of these. These stats and info. can be a big help as you are ministering to today's kids. 

WORRY about the Future:
  • 29% of families are facing financial strain
  • 27% of kids are struggling with the "new norm"
  • 22% of kids are worried about their family
  • 27% worry about their family's health
  • 17% are worried about their health
  • 26% are worried about their friends
  • 30% say they are bored all the time
  • 47% worry about how long they have to stay home
  • 11% say they feel sad or depressed
  • 10% feel stressed or overwhelmed
  • 7% feel mad or frustrated
 

ISSUES kids care about:

  • racism
  • gender equality
  • human rights
 
CONNECTIONS - how kids are keeping in touch with their friends:
  • 38% phone calls
  • 37% Facetime
  • 32% texting 
  • 28% Zoom calls
  • 27% video game chats
  • 23% social media
 
Other STATS:
  • 32% of parents say they have grown closer to their kids during the pandemic.
  • 1.5 billion kids have been out of school during the pandemic.
  • 75% of kids are still unable to access remote learning because they live in rural or poor households.
  • 60% of all pre-primary schools implemented distance learning options.
  • 25% of schools did not implement distance learning solutions.
  • 37% of parents say they've struggled to find a balance between teaching and work.
 
How kids are spending their TIME:
  • 27% are playing handheld games
  • 65% are using a smart phone
  • 82% are watching TV
  • 36% are reading books
  • 48% are playing outside
  • 19% are hanging out with friends
 
How kids are spending time with their FAMILIES:
  • 69% watch TV together
  • 67% cooking and baking
  •  62% playing video games
  • 61% playing cards or boardgames
  • 51% building things like Legos and models
  • 52% arts and craft projects

 

 Top 3 Brands for kids ages 6 to 12 years old:

  • YouTube
  • McDonalds
  • Oreo

 

What they are buying:

  • skateboards and scooters
  • art and craft supplies
  • language and art books
  • webcams
  • activity books
  • puzzles
  • ebooks
  • outdoor sports and toys

This is valuable information to know as we minister to kids and families during this pandemic.  Here's an example.  Since kids are worried and fearful during this time of uncertainty, a lesson about fear and trusting God would be very helpful for them.

Praying for God to give you wisdom and understanding as you minister to kids and families during these crazy times.