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Young people in Düsseldorf
Photo: Michael Gstettenbauer / imago images / Michael Gstettenbauer
One and a half years after the start of the pandemic, the clear majority of adolescents and young adults apparently still accept the applicable corona rules.
Two-thirds (66 percent) are willing to abide by the AHA rules;
61 percent speak out in favor of consideration for their peers and family members and thus show solidarity.
"At the same time, the young generation is at the end of their patience," says educational scientist Klaus Hurrelmann. Together with youth researcher Simon Schnetzer, Hurrelmann presented the study "Youth and Corona in Germany" on Wednesday. The aim of the study was to capture the mood of 14 to 29-year-olds with regard to Corona.
A clear majority of adolescents and young adults are therefore ready to be vaccinated immediately - "and see with great irritation that they will be placed at the end of the list of priorities," says Simon Schnetzer.
"The dissatisfaction with political decisions is high." According to the study, 60 percent are ready to be vaccinated immediately, 22 percent are still considering.
"That is a huge majority," says Klaus Hurrelmann and speaks of a real "longing for a vaccination" among the majority of those surveyed.
The study "Youth and Corona in Germany"
Expand Who created the study?
The youth researcher Simon Schnetzer and the educational scientist Klaus Hurrelmann, professor at the Hertie School in Berlin, are responsible for the study.
The Allensbach Institute for Demoscopy was also involved in the selection of the sample.
AreaWhich data was collected? Expand
The data was collected from 1,011 young people via an online survey in mid-May 2021.
In addition, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with adolescents and young adults.
Area How meaningful are the results? Expand
According to the information provided by the authors, the results are representative for 14 to 29 year olds in Germany.
But the vaccination offers are not even available for many young people, adds Simon Schnetzer.
Many young people have the feeling that they have practiced solidarity, especially with the older generation, for months: "They now expect this solidarity the other way around."
In addition, there is a great deal of personal dissatisfaction and the feeling of loss of control - this is especially true for those who are still in school, training or studying.
The
majority of
students
report that their motivation to learn has collapsed.
"The schools obviously did not manage to maintain halfway normal classes," says Simon Schnetzer.
The
trainees
surveyed also
report reduced motivation.
64 percent say that teaching in vocational school has deteriorated.
In practical training there are increasing difficulties due to Corona, the attractiveness of the apprenticeship has decreased.
In the case of
students
, 64 percent of those surveyed also reported gaps in motivation.
One of the biggest problems: After several hours of video reading, the ability to concentrate is zero.
In addition, there was a lack of contacts and suggestions in personal conversations.
In comparison, respondents who
already have a job
as
employees
complain the least
.
The youth researchers have identified a "moderate burden" from the pandemic in this group of people.
"The young people are very stressed - and if we want to maintain the cohesion of society, then we urgently need to take care of them now," says Schnetzer.
The greatest pressure comes from the fact that 53 percent have deteriorated mental health and 48 percent feel they are losing control of their lives.
Haram Dar knows this feeling.
The 17-year-old is the city and district school spokesman in Erlangen and answered questions from the researchers.
"The fact that many of us are now celebrating again is no contradiction to social solidarity," said at the press conference.
"It's just good for our own mental health." His generation has a lot of duties and regulations that they have to adhere to because of Corona, but almost no rights, criticizes Dar.
As an example, he cites the much discussed but so far hardly purchased room air filters in schools.
"We haven't received that for months now, but the federal government gives us a 100 euros free time bonus," says the student spokesman sarcastically: "100 euros - that's how much Germany is worth half my youth."
more on the subject
Young people in the pandemic: "Are we really less important than hardware stores or casinos?" A collection of voices by Sebastian Maas
After the corona summit: Schoolchildren are calling for young people to have the right to pre-empt Biontech vaccines
"No liquorice candy": Stiko chairman defends hesitant attitude towards child vaccinations against Corona
What do the researchers think needs to happen now?
The biggest problem, says Simon Schnetzer, is the feeling of loss of control that stresses many young people.
He could understand that many respondents felt that they were being deprived of their youth.
"Young people need planning security - that is now the deciding factor," confirms Klaus Hurrelmann.
You now have to quickly involve them in further political decisions "and not just discuss them in some expert group over the heads of those involved".
Hurrelmann says that the solidarity of the 14 to 29 year olds is still maintaining, the vast majority are still coming to terms with the situation: "But patience is crumbling."