COVID-19 Teens Activities

During COVID-19, it is important to stay active in order to maintain our mental wellbeing. Feel free to use these resources below that will supply teens with many activity ideas that they can do from home. Use the Stigma-Free COVID-19 Activity Generator to give teens ideas about what to do during their spare time. Scroll down to explore the top 10 activities, conversation cards for real talk about COVID-19, Stigma-Free tools, and quizzes to spark curiosity and instill knowledge about general mental health and details about COVID-19.

Stigma-Free COVID-19 Activity Generator

Wondering what to do today? Click below for an activity and part of your mission for the day is to complete that task!

Take the Covid-19 True or False Quiz

Teens Activity Videos

Teen Activities Conversation Cards Stigma-Free Tools Mental Health Quizzes

There are many things you can do to stay busy to keep your mind and body occupied during times of “boredom”. Below you’ll find a list of 10 activities to either try out or get your mind thinking about other ways to fight off boredom.

Further down you’ll also find sections of different activities with links to participate or apps to download.

Give these activities a whirl:

1) Start indoor seeds for a beautiful summer garden.

Make a list of herbs, vegetables or flowers you’d like to have in your garden, order the seeds and equipment online (with your parent’s help and permission) and learn how to grow a garden.

2) Netflix Party

Did you know you can have a Netflix Party? Netflix Party is a way to synch the shows you’re watching with your friends so you can watch a series together. So, set a date with your friends and stay connected while you enjoy some Netflix fun. Here’s the link on how to get your party started: https://www.netflixparty.com/

3) Virtual Museum Tours

If you love going to the museum, check out these virtual tours! https://www.todocanada.ca/museums-virtual-online/.

4) Learn how to cook.

If you haven’t learned how to cook, now’s the time. Not only with it help your parents/guardians out, but it’s also a great life skill to have. So, find a few recipes that interest you and give it a whirl. Don’t be afraid to ask for help to learn how to master the basics, then start experimenting!

5) Spend time reading.

Sometimes we get too busy and our body needs a break. Find yourself a quiet, calm space – a space you feel relaxed – pick up one of your favorite books and spend an hour reading.

6) Start a gratitude journal.

Did you know that taking time to write down 3 things you’re grateful for each morning and each evening and create a calmer, happier you? During times of struggle, it’s even more important to practice gratitude. So, find a journal to use and write 3 things you’re grateful for every morning and every evening. The impact it will have on your mental health is stunning. Enjoy!

7) Create a list of activities you would like to do with your family.

Grab a piece of paper and a pencil and start writing out all of the activities you can do during this isolation period.
Once you have a list of things you would like to do, show your parents/guardian(s) and come up with a schedule.
Cross each activity off when you’re done.

8) Create a family routine.

Sometimes when we don’t have a routine, life can seem a little wonky. Work with your family to create a routine that allows you to have fun, continue to learn and feel a little more regulated.

9) Make a comic strip.

Start writing and drawing a comic strip for a new Superhero you create. Make it a series so you can continuously add to your Superhero’s journey!
Share your comic strip with your family, friends and classmates and ask them to create their own comic strip to be shared.

10) Listen to music and create a new playlist.

Take some time and find at least 20 songs that make you happy, make you dance and bring joy to your hear. Create a new playlist and add all of your songs to a “Finding Joy” playlist.
Ask your family for song suggestions and make a playlist for your entire family.

Stigma-Free Conversation Cards

Need a conversation booster with your friends or parents? Sometimes, it is hard to talk about COVID-19, so the Stigma-Free Society has designed some Conversation Cards for you to share with others. It is a great way to spark discussion around our current situation with COVID-19.

We even slipped in some cards that your parents can ask you, or if you prefer, you can simply hover over the card to get answers to various questions. Hope you spark some good conversations today! Why not? We have the time right, so why not chat about it?

Real Talk - Questions for Parent(s) to Ask Teens (Grades 8-12)

How are you feeling overall?

Listen to your teen and encourage them to be open about their feelings.

How do you feel when you hear or read about Covid-19?

Let your teen express their full range of feelings.

How do you feel when your parent(s) talk about Covid-19?

• If their responses are primarily negative, this may indicate your teen is feeling overwhelmed by family talk of Covid-19.
• If overwhelmed, ask your teen if they would prefer to be in their bedroom or away from the source of talk while it occurs. This way important matters can be addressed yet respect for your teen is upheld as well.

Do you know what "flattening the curve" means?

• By staying home you’re not infecting others with the virus and you will be safe from getting it.
• This helps slow down the number of people with the virus, which “flattens the curve.”
• This helps our healthcare system not get bombarded with a bunch of sick people in the hospital, allowing them to treat and care for everyone who needs help.

What has this experience been like for you?

Let your teen express their full range of feelings. Make sure they know that whatever they have been feeling is valid.

What are the rules/guidelines that have been set and why do you think these rules are in place?

• The rules/guidelines put in place by our government are in an effort to slow/stop the spread of COVID-19. It is extremely important that we pay attention to these guidelines and do our best to help slow the spread of this virus as best we can.
• Here are some of the rules we need to follow:
•  Self-isolate.
•  Stay at least 2m away from others.
• Wash your hand for at least 20 seconds.
•  Do not touch your face.

How has staying inside more than usual affected you?

Depending on your teen's answer, you many need to reinforce the importance of social distancing and how it helps save lives.

It's ok to have strong feelings such as anger, sadness, and frustration during Covid-19. If you have felt any one these things, could you tell me about them?

Let your teen express their full range of feelings. Help them to identify their feelings.

Should there be good limits to set regarding news exposure and social media?

• If your teen doesn't know, explain that too much media exposure around Covid-19 can cause significant worry, as well as stronger emotions such as anger or sadness.
• While the above emotions may be normal these days, such strong emotions not dealt with over time could develop into more concerning issues such as anxiety or depression.
• Taking a break from media can give your teen's mind a break from the vast seriousness that is Covid-19.

Sometimes when life changes we wonder about feeling safe. Do you feel safe these days? Could you tell me about that?

• Give your teen the time and space to think about this question.
• Teens typically feel invincible and may not regularly think about being safe in the world.
• If your teen readily answers, let your teen express their full range of feelings.

What do you need? That is, how can I best help you throughout this Covid-19 experience?

• Your teen will probably need some time to think about this question.
• If they do not know in the moment, don't hesitate to bring this question up another time.
• By asking your teen this question, they will feel that their needs are important and validated, and not lost in the face of the all-consuming response to Covid-19.

Have you felt moodier than usual? This is normal. What have your moods been like?

• This is a good question to repeat as a regular check in with your teen's mental health.
• You may be used to their typical moodiness, but don't be surprised if their moodiness becomes amplified these days.
• However, if you notice your teens' moods venture into the realms of depression or anxiety, don't hesitate to reach out for help.

What can you do to help boost your mental health into a more positive space?

• It’s okay for you to have days when you don’t feel very positive, but there are ways for you to improve your mental health on those hard days!
• Here are some ideas: eat well (less sugar!), drink water, exercise, get some rest, do something you love to do, get outside, talk to a loved one and connect with people who bring you joy.
CLICK HERE to download our Mental Health checklist.

What kind of activities would YOU like to do to help boost your mental health?

Make a list of some activities that bring you joy and plan to do at least one a day.
CLICK HERE to check out more activity ideas.

Discussion Questions for Teens to Ask Parents (Grades 8-12)

What makes Covid-19 different than the flu or a bad cold?

• Covid-19 is one of the many coronaviruses.
• Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that cause respiratory infection, with dry cough and fever.
• There is no vaccine but currently people are working very hard to create one.

What is the difference between Covid-19 and coronavirus?

Covid -19 is the most recently discovered coronavirus.

What is the chance of getting Covid-19?

The chances of most people getting Covid-19 are low, and an even lower risk for younger people, but it is important to follow the social distancing rules.

What will happen if family members get Covid-19?

• If you or one of your family members has trouble breathing, it's best they get to the emergency room or call an ambulance.
• If they have a fever, dry cough, or other flu-like symptoms, call your doctor.
• If they have been near someone who has Covid-19, it is important to call the doctor, so he or she can determine if your family member can be treated at home.
• They may need to go to the doctor or be tested for Covid-19.

Can anyone get Covid-19?

Yes, but it seems that older people and people with previously diagnosed conditions are more likely to become sicker than younger people.

What if parent(s) lose their jobs?

• It's scary and anxiety provoking to imagine if one or both of your parents lose their jobs.
• Depending on where you live, your city will have information about benefits provided at this time.

During Covid-19 people may feel heightened anxiety and worry. Is this normal?

• This is absolutely normal.
• There are many unknowns regarding Covid-19, and not knowing what is going to happen next can increase anxiety.
• It's important during this time you practice ways to relax when anxious, such as listening to mellow music or engaging in a quiet activity.

There is an incredible amount of information about Covid-19. What is true and what is not?

• The best idea is to refer to the most reputable sites.
• Some of these sites include:
WHO
Canada.ca
NHS

It seems that no one can make jokes, even about Covid-19. But what about having a sense of humor?

• It's important to be sensitive during this time of Covid-19 because some people have become quite sick, and we must respect them.
• Making jokes during a serious time is simply inappropriate.

There is constant talk about Covid-19. Why is this?

• The constant talk you hear about Covid-19 is occurring because it has changed our lives in many ways.
• People need to talk with one another in order to keep up with these changes.

Are you scared of what is happening in the world?

• Be honest with your teen, perhaps even more so than you would with a younger child.
• However, it is important not to convey hopelessness or terror, so as not to traumatize.

Some people may think constantly about Covid-19. Is this normal?

• Yes, this is completely normal.
• Our lives currently revolve around Covid-19 so it is difficult not to think about it.
• However, it is important to take a break, such as limiting news online and on TV, and by engaging in some other activity to provide a semblance of normal.

What can I do to help people even though I have to stay inside?

• When we help others during a tough time, it can make us feel more in control of the situation.
• Teens can call or use a video chat to interact with their grandparents or other elderly family members every few days.
• Teens can write letters to the elderly in eldercare facilities who cannot have visitors right now.
• Research online for any charitable work that can be done from home (eg: making surgical masks).

When I was online, people were saying some really bad stuff about certain Asian people and Covid-19. Is any of this stuff true? Why is this happening?

• No, none of this is true.
Since the first case of Covid-19 was discovered in China, some people have taken this to mean Chinese people are somehow responsible. They are not. People's racist talk is inappropriate and only brings about stigma to Chinese people.
• It is imperative we fight this stigma so we all can fight Covid-19 as an entire people.

Welcome to the Stigma-Free Society’s Online Stigma-Free Tools

The Stigma-Free Tool is a quiz that allows you to assess your views about mental health and helps you recognize any negative judgements, or attitudes. Ready to have look of your thoughts and perceptions?

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Stigma-Free Tool Conversation Card

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Below are a lot of mental health Quizzes that you can take to help you make sense of how you are feeling. Remember, these quizzes don’t count as a diagnosis and you should always talk to your doctor – they will be able to answer all of your questions.

Anxiety

Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED)

This test is a Screen for Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) that all youth can take. You will be asked 40 questions and you will add up your answers to get a score. The score will show you if you may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder or Significant School Avoidance.

Psych Central Anxiety Quiz

Use this quiz to help you find out if you should see a doctor for anxiety or a panic disorder. Before filling this out, think back about your mood during the past month.

Panic Attack Test

Have you ever had what you thought was a panic attack? This 22-question quiz asks you about anxiety and these attacks to see if you have a panic disorder and should consult a doctor.

Depression

Psych Central Depression Quiz

The Depression Test by Psych Central is a brief 18-question quiz that will help you see if you may have depression. When filling it out, think about how you have felt during the last 7 days.

Bipolar Disorder

Psych Central Bipolar Self Test

Bipolar disorder can be hard to spot because sometimes it is confused with an anxiety disorder or depression. This 9-question quiz will give you an idea about if you may have bipolar disorder.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

OCD Test

This is an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder screening test to be filled out by parents to find out if their child may have OCD. Note that OCD is sometimes confused with other anxiety disorders.

General Mental Health Tests

Mental Health Meter

This is a great test because it measures your mental health in general. You will be asked several questions and you will be given points for each category – ability to enjoy life, resilience, balance, self-actualization and flexibility. Your score in each will let you know how well you are taking care of your mental health. This is great for all ages, but younger youth may need help from parents.

Psychology Today Mental Health Assessment

Are you thinking of seeing a counsellor? This mental health quiz will let you know what you need to work on and then you can find a therapist through their website, Psychology Today.

Child and Youth Mental Health Screening Questionnaire

This is a general mental health quiz for ages 12 and over that can tell you if you may have ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Separation Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder or a mood disorder. You can skip the first page of the document.

Check In on Your Wellbeing

This quiz lets you know how your mental health is doing overall. It gets you to enter in some personal information like your age and gender before you start the test. When you are done, check out the rest of the Here to Help website – they have a lot of cool resources!