Publication: Adolescence in the Time of COVID-19: Evidence from Bangladesh
Date
2020-11
ISSN
Published
2020-11
Author(s)
Baird, Sarah
Seager, Jennifer
Sabarwal, Shwetlena
Guglielmi, Silvia
Sultan, Maheen
Abstract
This note examines the effects of
COVID-19 and subsequent economic and educational disruptions
on adolescent well-being in Bangladesh. The analysis is
based on data from 2,095 in-school adolescents aged 10–18
collected pre-COVID-19 (February–March 2020) through a field
survey for an ongoing impact evaluation, and a follow-up
virtual survey undertaken early in the pandemic (May-June
2020). Findings show large household-level economic impacts
associated with increased food insecurity, anxiety, and
mental health issues among adolescents. In addition, school
closures have decreased adolescents’ access to learning,
increased time spent on household chores, and affected
future job aspirations. The impacts are particularly large
for girls and for adolescents from more vulnerable
households. Policy makers need to consider policies that
facilitate school return, targeting girls and the most
vulnerable. They also need creative school-based programming
to address the likely long-run physical and mental health
effects of COVID-19 on young people.
Citation
“Baird, Sarah; Seager, Jennifer; Sabarwal, Shwetlena; Guglielmi, Silvia; Sultan, Maheen. 2020. Adolescence in the Time of COVID-19 : Evidence from Bangladesh. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/34801 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”