“Post-covid” Childhood-s?: Transdisciplinary Reflections on Participatory Praxis in the Lives of 21st Century Children

This peer-reviewed paper examines how the COVID-19 pandemic created new opportunities for children and young people to participate actively in their communities and societies. Rather than viewing children only as vulnerable groups needing protection, the authors highlight examples of young people engaging in digital awareness campaigns, environmental activism, and educational activities during the pandemic. The paper uses transdisciplinary thinking to explore how children transcended traditional adult-centered views of childhood during the crisis.

Key points

• Children and young people were active participants in responding to the COVID-19 global emergency
• The pandemic opened new spaces and opportunities for child participation
• Young people engaged in digital awareness campaigns about COVID-19
• Children participated in environmental activism during the pandemic
• Children accessed unique educational opportunities through pandemic responses

Limitations

This is a reflective conceptual paper rather than an empirical study, so it does not present systematic data or evidence from specific interventions. The document does not provide detailed information about which children participated, in what specific contexts, or measurable outcomes of their participation.