By Government of Canada

COVID-19 resources for youth, students and young adults

Oct 13, 2021 | 1:28 PM

Reduce the spread of COVID-19

Young people play a critical role in reducing the spread of COVID-19. You can have COVID-19 and spread it to others, even if you aren’t showing any symptoms.

Efforts continue across Canada to increase overall vaccine coverage and decrease the spread of COVID-19. During this time, public health measures remain an important part of the response to COVID-19 in Canada.

Individual public health measures are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from getting sick. These measures are most effective when used together in a layered approach.

It’s important for everyone, including youth aged 12 and older to:

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• get vaccinated against COVID-19
• follow the recommendations and any restrictions issued by your local public health authority

Learn more about:

• COVID-19 symptoms
• Following individual public health measures
• Reducing your risk when going out
• Youth video series on COVID-19: Your questions answered
• Video series: “My Why” on getting the COVID-19 vaccine
• COVID-19: Provincial and territorial resources
• National Institute on Ageing: My COVID-19 visit risk
• Going out safely during COVID-19

Vaccination

COVID-19 vaccines can help protect you and those around you from COVID-19. Getting fully vaccinated also helps everyone get back to what they love and need for their physical and mental health, including:

• being with friends and family
• extracurricular activities, like sports and games
• going back to school

Provincial and territorial governments have developed reopening plans with specific advice on schools and workplaces. It’s important that you become familiar with these plans to prepare for the year ahead.

Make sure to follow your provincial or territorial government guidelines if you’re considering social gatherings.

Learn more about:

• COVID-19: How to get vaccinated near you
• COVID-19 vaccines for children and youth
• COVID-19: Vaccine safety and side effects
• Vaccines for COVID-19

Help promote individual public health measures

Protect yourself and others by reminding each other of the importance of individual public health practices, such as:

• staying home when ill
• practising good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
• wearing a mask and physically distancing, when appropriate

Be part of a growing virtual community of video gamers who are doing their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19. You don’t have to be a gamer to help us spread the message. This campaign is a partnership between the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Entertainment Software Association of Canada.

Learn more about how you can help #CrushCOVID.

Stay healthy

It’s okay not to be okay, especially when it feels like the world has been turned upside down. Many people are feeling lonely and isolated, and may be experiencing anxiety, grief, frustration, sadness and irritability. But there are things we can do to take care of ourselves and support each other through this difficult time. It’s important to remember to take care of your mental and physical health by:

• taking breaks from social media and the news
• focusing on the good things and looking for positives in each day
• spending time doing things you enjoy, starting a hobby or learning a new skill
• asking for help and talking to a trusted adult

Stay connected with your friends and extended family through:

• texts
• email
• phone calls
• video and voice chat
• social media platforms

You can also take care of your physical and mental health by keeping healthy habits and a regular routine, such as:

• eating well
• being active
• getting enough sleep

Learn more about:

• COVID-19: Taking care of your physical and mental health

Youth mental health links

If you need someone to talk to in confidence, reach out to a youth organization like:

• Kids Help Phone
• LGBT Youthline
• Jack.org: Be There
• Canada Youth Network
• Canadian Suicide Prevention Service
• Crisis Services Canada: Local resources and supports
• COVID-19 youth mental health resource hub (a collaboration of Jack.org, Kids Help Phone and School Mental Health Ontario)
• School Mental Health Ontario’s resources for students
• Wellness Together Canada: Mental health and substance use support

Taking care of your sexual health

Know the risks for COVID-19 transmission during sex, so you’re able to protect yourself and others.

Vaping and COVID-19 risk

New research is showing that vaping and cigarette smoking among young people may greatly increase their risk of getting COVID-19. The risk is 5 to 7 times higher.

Vaping can cause damage to the lungs. This means that coughing or difficulty breathing can worsen if you get the virus, as these are also symptoms of COVID-19.

Vaping may also increase the risk of spreading COVID-19 due to:

• inability to wear a mask when vaping
• coughing or forcefully exhaling respiratory droplets and aerosols (smaller droplets)

If you vape, clean your hands before and after using vaping devices.

Don’t vape when you’re around others. If you do vape when other people are around, make sure you:

• don’t share vaping devices
• are outdoors
• are physically distanced from others

Learn more about:

• COVID-19 symptoms

Get financial help

Look into suspending your student or apprentice loan interest and repayments.

Be safe online

We’ve seen an increase in reports of harmful phishing campaigns and malware scams related to COVID-19. These tend to be emails or calls from people pretending to be from the government. They’re attempting to steal your money or private information.

Misinformation about COVID-19 can also be harmful. Check your sources before reading and sharing articles with others.

Learn more about:

• How to protect yourself against online scams
• Check First, Share After: How to stop the spread of COVID-19 misinformation

For youth experiencing family violence

The COVID-19 outbreak has been linked with an increase in family violence across the country. Families are faced with increased stress and are spending more time at home due to teleworking, e-learning and physical distancing.

Everyone deserves to feel safe. If you’re experiencing violence or abuse at home, contact your local police. There are also other services available to help keep you safe:

• ShelterSafe
• Family violence information
• Services in your area

For Indigenous youth

• COVID-19 and Indigenous communities: Learn how the Government of Canada supports First Nations and Inuit communities in preparing for, monitoring and responding to COVID-19
• Hope for Wellness Helpline: Mental health counselling and crisis intervention for Indigenous peoples across Canada
• Canadian Red Cross: COVID-19 resources for Indigenous youth.
• We Matter: Indigenous youth support

Videos

Learn how you can help keep your family and community healthy and safe:

• Physical distancing: Stop the spread of COVID-19 in Indigenous communities
• Keep it clean: Stop the spread of COVID-19 in Indigenous communities

Videos to share

• Our actions matter
• Is going to a party really worth it?

The Government of Canada has many resources directed at supporting Youth including:

• Reduce the spread of COVID-19
• Vaccination
• Help promote individual public health measures
• Stay healthy
• Taking care of your sexual health
• Vaping and COVID-19 risk
• Get financial help
• Be safe online
• For youth experiencing family violence
• For Indigenous youth
• Videos to share