Pandemic has created generation of children interested in science and tech, research finds

Psychiatrist discusses mental health in a pandemic

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters.Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer.Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights.You can unsubscribe at any time.

A survey of 1,000 kids aged 11-17 revealed 83 percent have been learning about the pandemic by watching the news – with 71 percent asking their parents about the virus because they’re interested. Two thirds (67 percent) have also been inspired by the hard work of the nurses and doctors working during the pandemic, as well as the likes of Chris Whitty and Jonathan Van-Tam. And 48 percent of secondary-age schoolchildren would be interested in a career in STEM after seeing how people working in these industries have helped people.

With children glued to the news, experts are becoming more mainstream – with youngsters more likely to recognise Professor Chris Whitty’s name (55 percent) than celebs and sports stars including Harry Kane (50 percent), Selena Gomez (48 percent), Zoella (35 percent), Michelle Keegan (31 percent) and Raheem Sterling (39 percent).

One in five (19 percent) schoolchildren, surveyed by Medicspot, said the pandemic had made them interested in a career as a doctor in Accident and Emergency, while 18 percent would now consider a career working on vaccines.

The survey also found 16 percent would like to be an A&E nurse, 16 percent would be interested in a career in pharmacy and 14 per cent would like to be a virologist.

During the pandemic, Medicspot has increased its staff numbers by 183 percent by providing Covid testing and fit to fly certificates at 90 locations across the UK.

A spokesperson for Medicspot said: “The government’s decision to reopen schools is music to the ears of Britain’s secondary age children, who are desperate to get back into the classroom.

“It’s heartening to see how many youngsters have been inspired by the medical professionals and scientists who have been working on the frontline to treat people suffering from Covid-19 and behind the scenes on the treatments.”

The study also found 68 percent of respondents think science is a cool subject – and 41 percent are now more interested in learning more about it.

Almost three quarters (71 percent) are looking forward to going back to school, while 61 per cent are going to try and work harder in their science lessons.

The Medicspot survey, carried out via OnePoll, also found 52 percent would like to make a difference by helping people like the nurses, doctors, and scientists on the front line when they are older.

It also emerged 47 percent look at the likes of Professor Chris Whitty, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, Dr Jenny Harries and Sir Patrick Vallance and view them as role models.

Overall, 74 percent think it is a good thing that there have been more medical experts on TV during the pandemic.

And 72 percent feel proud that one of the vaccines was developed in Oxford.

A spokesperson for Medicspot added: “Our scientists have led the way with their response to the global pandemic, through the development of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine as well as becoming the world leader in sequencing the Coronavirus genome.

“It’s wonderful to see so many youngsters look up to the brilliant brains working on the frontlines and behind the scenes, and it’s encouraging to know so many are looking forward to getting back in the science labs when they return to the classroom on March 8.”

More information on Medicspot’s Covid testing here.

Source: Read Full Article