Covid's Lasting Impact on Young Lives

The Covid-19 pandemic has left a lasting impact on the lives of many young people, with some struggling to cope with ongoing symptoms and others facing a disrupted education. The Covid-19 inquiry, which is currently underway, has heard from teenagers who are still experiencing the effects of Long Covid, a condition where the symptoms of the virus persist for more than 12 weeks.

Molly, a 16-year-old from Weymouth, told the inquiry that she used to be "really active and sporty" before being diagnosed with Covid-19. However, she now lives with ongoing symptoms that stop her from doing the things that most teenagers can. Molly spent long periods in hospital and was forced to miss out on most of her secondary education. She often feels left out because her friends have moved on, and she cannot.

The inquiry also heard that the government did not start planning for the closure of schools until the day before the decision was made. Former education secretary Gavin Williamson described a "discombobulating 24-hour sea change" in his written evidence. The closure of schools in January 2021 was "not required," according to Williamson, but was "a panicked decision made without children's interests front and centre." However, Boris Johnson has rejected this description of the decision.

In other news, the government has been tackling the growing problem of vaping among young people. A ban on disposable vapes came into effect in June 2025, with businesses facing a minimum £200 fine and a prison sentence of up to two years for repeat offences. The ban applies to both shops and online retailers, and only reusable devices with rechargeable batteries, replaceable coils, and refillable components can be legally sold.

The government has also restarted talks with the British Medical Association (BMA) to end the long-running dispute over resident doctors' pay and working conditions. The BMA has agreed to a "window for negotiations," which is understood to mean that there will be a series of talks over the coming weeks with no more strike action called in the meantime.

Meanwhile, in the United States, a growing trend among teenagers has been causing concern among experts. Caffeine pouches, small teabag-like pouches that deliver a quick caffeine hit, have become popular among young people. Some social media influencers are promoting the products, recommending them to gym-goers for performance or to students who want to be alert for exams. However, experts warn that the trend could soon take off in the UK, and that the pouches can be discreet, making it easy to hide their use.

Dr. Rob van Dam from George Washington University has expressed concern about the trend, stating that a single pouch contains as much caffeine as two cups of regular coffee. This could lead to bad side effects, particularly if young people take too much. The UK is already grappling with the issue of nicotine pouches or snus, and the rise of caffeine pouches could exacerbate the problem.

As the government addresses these various issues, it is clear that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact on the lives of many young people. The inquiry into the pandemic's effects will continue to hear from witnesses and gather evidence, and it is hoped that the government's efforts to tackle vaping and the doctor dispute will lead to positive change. However, the rise of caffeine pouches serves as a reminder that new challenges are constantly emerging, and that the government must remain vigilant in its efforts to protect the health and wellbeing of young people.