COVID-19 Youth 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 youth with many activity ideas that they can do from home. Use the Stigma-Free COVID-19 Activity Generator to give youth 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

Youth Activity Videos

Youth 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 way 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) Pull out some play doh, clay or any other art medium and use your imagination to create a fun new world to play in for awhile!

During your COVID isolation, sculpt what you think the virus looks like – then SMASH it – it’ll feel good to squash that virus!

2) Family game night

Pull out some board games and plan a family game day/night! Have every family member choose a game to play and work your way through everyone’s choices.

3) Find a new card game

Do a little googling and find a new card game to teach your family. Be sure to take your time to fully understand the rules so you can easily teach the rest of your family how to play.

4) Draw or paint how you’re feeling.

Sometimes getting creative and drawing or painting our emotions helps to release them and helps us feel better.
Another option? Draw times when you felt happy and filled with joy. Remember the good times you’ve had and know you can get back to that place.

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) Journal.

Spend a little time each day writing in a journal. Not only will this be a great way for you to express how you’re feeling, it’ll be a very interesting keepsake for you in years to come when this pandemic is over.

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.

BONUS: Make a COVID-19 Capsule!

Follow this link and create your own capsule: Click Here

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 Youth (Grades 4-7)

When I describe what Covid-19 is, do you understand? Is there anything that doesn't make sense? Do you know what a coronavirus is?

• COVID-19 is a virus that spreads easily from one person to another and has affected hundreds of countries around the world - this is called a pandemic.
• It causes fever, cough, trouble breathing and sometimes a sore throat.
• Anyone can get COVID-19, but this virus seems to more negatively affect older people and people that do not have a strong immune systems. Typically, if children do get the virus, they experience a slight cough and fever.

Do you ever hear about Covid-19 on the tv news or have you read about it online?

• It's important that we get our information about Covid-19 from reliable sources, not just rumors and opinions. Some examples of reputable sites are :
• WHO
• Canada.ca
• NHS

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

• If your child has a negative response to this question, it may be because your child is overwhelmed with the talk and media coverage regarding Covid-19.
• Allow your child to express their emotions.

Are you concerned about getting sick? Could you tell me about your concerns?

Whatever their concerns may be, be truthful (see sources on Card 1) but don't go too far into detail such that the child becomes fearful or even traumatized (eg: Avoid talking about death and suffering).

The days might seem different to you. How do you feel about our new routine?

• Perhaps this is a good time to begin to sketch out a new routine in order to instill greater stability and increased predictability during these challenging times.
• Have your child give his or her input into this new routine.

Do you have friends whom you miss? Could you tell me about them?

When they begin to describe their friends, if they have not already, suggest they have a phone call or see each other on a video online platform.

Do you know a really fun way to wash your hands? Let me show you and we can do it together.

• The following are good websites that teach appropriate handwashing techniques:
• Family Doctor
• Public Health Ontairo
• BCCDC.ca

Is there anything I can do to help you during this challenging time?

• This is a question that can be returned to frequently during this period.
• It's a good way to check in generally with your child to assess their functioning.

Are your friends talking about the virus? If so, what are they talking about?

Remember that it’s important to not “feed into the frenzy”, if your friends or classmates say anything that raises more questions for you or they say something that doesn’t seem right, ask a trusted adult loved one for clarification and accurate information.
• Remember to also talk about things other than COVID. It’s much too easy to get wrapped up in this virus - so remember what you love doing and talk about that, too!

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.

You might notice we’re inside and we’re not allowed to go outside as much - this is called social distancing. How does being inside and social distancing make you feel?

Social distancing is incredibly important to help us manage the virus. Although it is difficult to not see your friends and do all of the activities you’re used to doing, you’re helping save lives and you’re doing a very good job at helping stop the spread of this virus. You’re like a COVID-19 Superhero right now.

What is the difference between physical and mental health?

• Physical health is the condition of your body. It includes things like the absence of disease and injury and your fitness level. When your physical health is positive, your body feels strong, you have lots of energy and you are free of illness and injury.
• Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.

Are there activities that you want to do right now or in the coming weeks?

• Let’s make a list of everything you would like to do and see what kind of plan we can come up with.
• CLICK HERE for a list of ideas!

I’ve noticed that you’ve been a little more ____________ (sad, worried, anxious - insert your child’s emotion), do you want to talk to me about it? Would you like to talk with a counsellor or somebody outside our family?

It’s okay to feel any and all emotions. Some emotions are harder to deal with on your own and talking with family members or a mental health professional may help you navigate your emotions and mental health.

Discussion Questions for Youth to Ask Parent(s) (Grades 4-7)

Is there a difference between Covid-19 and coronavirus?

Covid-19 is a kind of coronavirus, like when you get sick with the flu you have one kind flu that is one of many types.

Am I going to get Covid-19?

• Chances are you're not going to get Covid -19 as it doesn't seem to affect children very much.
• However, know if you do get Covid-19 the adults will take very good care of you while you're sick and then you'll get better.

How long is Covid-19 going to last?

• The answer seems to change frequently. The best guess seems to be that Covid-19 could last anywhere from weeks to months.
• It can be frustrating not getting exact answers to important questions. This can make some people angry. This is normal.

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 they 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.

Are we safe?

• I wonder if you're feeling unsafe because of all of the talk about Covid-19.
• We are staying safe by washing our hands the right way, engaging in social distancing, and staying home as much as possible.
• Know that the adults in your life are working hard to keep you safe and healthy.

People may be having strong feelings, like feeling sadness and anger, since Covid-19 started. Is this normal?

• This is totally normal.
• When life changes so quickly in so many different ways it's easy to have feelings such as being scared, anxious, angry, or even sad.
• It's important to talk about these feelings as well so they don't build up inside and make us feel worse.

Why do people talk about Covid-19 all of the time?

• We are talking about Covid-19 a lot because it is something that has changed our lives in many ways for the time being. Talking about Covid-19 helps people deal with it.
• But, if you need a break from hearing us talk about it please tell us and we can move to another room or save the conversation for after bedtime.

Some people get really scared. How are you feeling?

• Tell the truth about your feelings without going into too much detail.
• You could say something like, “Like lots of people I sometimes feel scared because Covid-19 is so new and makes people sick. But then I feel better when I realize we are doing everything to stay healthy and safe.”

Will my pet (dog/cat/hamster/etc.) be ok? Will it get Covid-19?

• So far, the evidence shows that your pet(s) won't get Covid-19.
• However, if our pet does get sick for any reason know we'll call the vet right away.
• More Information about Pets and COVID-19

Is constantly thinking about Covid-19 normal?

• This is very normal.
• Because Covid-19 has made some big changes in everyone's lives for the time being, and that it's all over the TV and internet, it's hard not to think about it.
• This is why it's important to set limits regarding how much time one is online and watches TV.
• It's also important that there are activities that can take your mind off Covid-19 so life feels a bit back to normal.

People are spreading rumors about Asian people on the internet about Covid-19. Is any of this true?

Unfortunately, because the first case of Covid-19 was discovered in China, some people have taken this to mean the Chinese people are somehow responsible. They are not. People's racist talk is inappropriate and only brings about stigma to the Chinese people.

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 better and in control
• Kids can call or use a video chat to interact with their grandparents or other elderly family members every few days.
• Kids can write letters (with or without pictures) to the elderly in eldercare facilities who cannot have visitors right now.

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?

Click on the Stigma-Free Tool below to Find out More!

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Take the Stigma-Free Tool

Take the Stigma-Free Pledge

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.