Child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing in times of the COVID-19 pandemic;Elucidating intervention targets to decrease mental health problems and optimize wellbeing in Dutch children with and without a history of mental problems.

Children and young people are less vulnerable to the medical consequences of COVID-19. Yet the corona measures will also hit them hard. However, stories are also heard about children and young people who experience the corona measures as pleasant. They benefit from the peace, structure and reduction of pressure that normal life brings. We will systematically investigate the effects of the corona measures on their mental health and well-being in large samples of Dutch children and young people (with and without prior mental problems). Our findings will result in recommendations for prevention and interventions at national, regional and individual levels. Children and young people will be actively involved in this research. By carefully mapping the consequences of the corona measures on the mental health of Dutch youth, we hope to be optimally prepared for future developments in the pandemic.