Adolescents in Oslo in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The aim of the study was to map young people’s everyday life and quality of life, and how they experience the COVID-19 pandemic while they were still subject to strict restrictions.

During springtime 2020, COVID-19 pandemic led students across all Norway having weeks of home schooling, and they were subject to strict restrictions on what is allowed to be done in their leisure time. 

The study provides answers to how young people in general felt during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it affected their lives. The survey also provides knowledge about young people's school situation, and what kind of contact they have with friends and family. The survey mapped young people's relationship to infection control rules, trust in the authorities and quality of life, stress and physical activity.

The study was undertaken from 23 April to 8 May 2020 as a web survey administered by schools. At the start of the study, the schools had been closed for six weeks and had switched to home teaching. Strong restrictions had been placed on social interaction. The infection control rules were reported in the daily newscasts.

All public schools in Oslo were asked to participate by setting aside 30 minutes of a home teaching session, and 37 % of the students participated (N = 12 686). The response rate was higher in lower secondary schools (46 %, n = 8 116) than at the upper secondary level (27 %, n = 4 552).

The study was conducted by the NOVA research centre at Oslo Metropolitan University in collaboration with the City of Oslo educational authorities. The students were provided with written information stating the study’s objectives and that participation was voluntary. Parents were informed through the Oslo schools’ digital information system (‘Skolemelding’). The study was anonymous.