In isolation instead of in school (INISS): Vulnerable children's experiences of Covid-19 and effects on mental health and education

When Covid-19 forced the closure of schools in Scotland to most pupils in March 2020, there was widespread concern about the impact this might have on the mental health and wellbeing of young people and, in particular, on those preparing for national level exams such as Nationals, Highers and Advanced Highers. This project set out to investigate:
(i) how isolation, school closure and exam cancellation caused by Covid-19 affected the mental health of the generality of young people in Scotland
(ii) whether there were additional impacts on the mental health of groups of young people typically identified as vulnerable
(iii) what young people, as pupils, think would help address their concerns about mental health in the context of the pandemic. The findings indicate that young people in the senior phase of secondary education perceived that their mental health and wellbeing had been negatively impacted by Covid-19, with schools providing only limited support during periods of closure.