Adolescent Social Outcomes Declined During COVID-19: Evidence From Bangladesh, Jordan, And Ethiopia

Although adolescents have been less susceptible to COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality than older people, the social containment policies put in place to curb the disease constrained their ability to thrive. This study explored changes in adolescent outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among vulnerable adolescents, focusing on education, economic participation, early marriage, self-reported health, and food security. We investigated the role of governmental and nongovernmental cash and food aid in mitigating negative effects. Using panel data collected both before (2017-20) and at two points during (2020-21) the pandemic on more than 7,000 adolescents from Bangladesh, Jordan, and Ethiopia, we found evidence of worsening outcomes across all measures except self-reported health. Declines were generally worse for more vulnerable adolescents. There is little evidence that aid mitigated negative impacts for adolescents in general or for vulnerable adolescents in particular. This research highlights the need for greater focus on developing social protection that is responsive to the multifaceted needs of adolescents.