There’s a lot in the news at the moment about the Coronavirus. Some of what you see or hear might sound confusing or scary, and for all of us it’s the first time something like this has happened, so it’s normal to have some worries about it. Below is some useful information to help you learn a bit more about the Coronavirus outbreak and what you can do to look after yourself and others.

On this page you will find information about:

1.What is COVID 19

2.Taking Care of Yourself

3.Things to do at Home

4. Additional Resources

We will regularly add to these resources so please add the site to favorites so you can visit again. There is also a Parents and Carers page that might be useful for your parents here:

1. What is COVID-19?

Knowing the facts around the Coronavirus can help us feel calm. You will already have read a lot through social media and watched a lot through websites or on TV. Some of the images and messages can make us worry about ourselves and others. These are normal feelings and reactions but knowing the facts can help clear some confusion, answer some questions we have and make us feel better.

Where to find the facts

BBC Newsround have a useful website that explains everything we currently know about coronavirus, including where it came from, what the symptoms are, the answer to a lot of common questions people have about the virus, and a step-by-step guide on how we should be washing our hands: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51877454

Wondering what you can do to help during the coronavirus outbreak? Click here to find out more from YoungScot: https://www.young.scot/get-informed/national/tips-on-how-to-deal-with-the-coronavirus-outbreak

Hearing a lot of new words for the first time and wondering what they mean? Click hear to read YoungScot’s jargon buster: https://www.young.scot/get-informed/national/coronavirus-jargonbuster

2. Taking Care of Yourself

Feeling overwhelmed or worried about the changes currently happening at the moment is completely normal and understandable. It might be that you’re feeling slightly anxious at times about your health or the health of others. You may feel frustrated or even angry at times about the current situation. Here are some things that might be useful to help you manage those feelings and look after your wellbeing.

BBC Newsround have a great video giving you some top tips of things to do. You can find it here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51887051

Here are some more ideas of things you can do:

More Information:

There is a lot of information out there for young people that can lead to confusion and worry. Young Minds have some information to help. Click the image to find out more

Young Scot also have lots of information to help you learn about the virus and things you can do to keep positive and healthy. Within this page you will find information about how stress can affect you, ways to help you relax and tips for keeping positive! Click the image to find out more

3. Things to do at Home

You may be wondering what you’re going to do at home all day now that schools are closed. As mentioned above, it’s important to look after your wellbeing by having a routine and being active as much as is possible. It may be tempting to sleep longer in the morning. Try to get up around the same time every day, get some fresh air (bearing in mind social distancing) and keep your mind and body active, especially if you are studying and doing school work activities. Having a routine and structure to your day will help avoid feelings of the day ‘dragging’.

Set a schedule with your parents or carers, with times for learning and times for breaks
Spend time with your family whether it’s helping to prepare meals or playing boardgames – have some fun!
Start a new hobby or develop a new skill
Try some yoga videos online if you are unable to exercise outside
Technology can be useful in short bursts, and to help you stay connected with friends and family. Avoid spending long periods of time on social media.

Below are some ideas for non-screen activities you can do at home:

100+ stay-at-home activities to help your kids learn new skills over the next few weeks and months.

The Scouts have added 100+ activities to do indoors on their page The Great Indoors The Great Indoors. Lots of ideas to keep you busy as well as things to do with friends remotely. Take a look at some:

Stay Active

Joe Wicks has announced he will start online PE lessons to help keep children fit and healthy during the school shutdown. Find an example and his YouTube channel below:

4. Additional Resources

Information About COVID-19

Newsround have a useful website that explains everything we currently know about Coronavirus, including where it came from, what the symptoms are, the answer to a lot of common questions people have about the virus, and a step-by-step guide on how we should be washing our hands: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51877454

Taking Care of Yourself

This poster gives you some helpful tips on how to manage self isolation: https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/glowblogs/glasgowpsychologicalservice/2020/03/18/managing-self-isolation/

Staying Active

Can’t get out to go to your team practice or the gym? No problem! Click here for some fun workouts that you can do at home: https://watch.lesmillsondemand.com/free-content