Growing Up in Times of COVID-19: When a Window of Opportunity is Temporarily Closed

During the COVID-19 crisis, the governmental restrictions seriously affected the daily lives of adolescents (aged 12–25). They could not attend school, had to limit face-to-face contact with peers, and had to stay at home with their parents. This chapter combines insights from theoretical models on adolescent development with some of the first empirical findings of the impact of COVID-19 on adolescents. We will discuss how lockdown and social distancing measures affect mental health and well-being in a formative and vulnerable period in life. Specifically, the authors focus on delayed attainment of developmental tasks toward adulthood, the importance of friendships, and how parents can promote developmental growth and resilience in a “new common.” Advice is included on how future society can and should be shaped around the developmental needs, risks, and opportunities that characterize adolescence.