Document is current

Article History

Received: 28 September 2025

Accepted: 15 May 2026

First Online: 26 May 2026

Declarations

:

: Ethical approval was granted by the University of Edinburgh’s Ethics Committee. The study complies with UK ethical guidelines and the Declaration of Helsinki. Digital informed consent to participate in this study was provided by the participants and their legal guardians. The names of participating individuals have been anonymised.

: This study explores timely and adverse factors tied to the COVID-19 pandemic by examining the experiences and concerns of a vulnerable group—children aged 8–12 years—drawing on responses from both children and their parents. The resulting insights are vital for developing strategies to guide post-COVID mental health support and enhance capacity for resilience in future crises.

: There was no conflict of interest in undertaking this research.