Michaud Pierre-André, Vassalli Jean-Dominique, Schmitt Patrick André, Jaffé Philip D, Ambresin Anne-Emmanuelle
Pr Honoraire, Faculté de biologie et de médecine, Université de Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne.
Pr Honoraire, Faculté de médecine, Université de Genève, 1211 Genève 4.
Rev Med Suisse. 2021 Jan 20;17(722):150-154.
This article summarizes the conclusion of a two-days interprofessional online workshop held under the auspices of the Brocher Foundation. The objectives were to review the impact of COVID on adolescent health and development and to generate some key responses to the situation. The pandemic has severely affected the mental health of a large proportion of adolescents and has significantly reduced access to health care. It has as well disturbed the school education of vulnerable youngsters and decreased social contacts with adults and peers. In the future, authorities should better consider the rights of young people and request their opinion and participation in decision making. Physicians should systematically explore their young patients' opinions and queries regarding the COVID and address problematic situations such as family conflicts, misuse of internet or risky behaviour.
