Disruptions, adjustments and hopes: The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on child well‐being in five Majority World Countries

This peer-reviewed study explored how the COVID-19 pandemic affected child well-being in five Majority World countries using focus groups and diary entries from children themselves. Children reported experiencing loss, boredom, and worries about their education. Underlying these experiences, children were aware of systemic inequalities that affected them and their communities. The study highlights the importance of listening to children's own perspectives during crises and using culturally-sensitive methods to capture their voices.

Key points

• Children experienced loss, boredom, and concerns about educational progress during the pandemic
• Children demonstrated awareness of systemic inequalities disadvantaging themselves or others in their communities
• Integrated data from focus groups and diary entries were used to understand children's experiences
• The study emphasizes the value of introspective and dialogical approaches to capturing children's voices across cultures
• Findings have implications for developing preventive and responsive interventions during crises

Limitations

The document provides only an abstract and does not specify which five Majority World countries were included (though three are hinted at), the number of children involved, or detailed findings and outcome measures. The specific disruptions and adjustments children made are not described in detail.