Sign in Subscribe
COVID-19

Children's Perspectives on COVID-19 Pandemic through Drawings

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study from Uppsala University in Sweden has shed light on the experiences and knowledge of 7- to 11-year-old children regarding the COVID-19 pandemic through their drawings. The research analyzed drawings from 454 children, along with their accompanying texts, from various Swedish municipalities with different socio-economic profiles. The study found that the children highlighted societal changes, their understanding of the virus, and existential reflections of their lives and surrounding environment. The study concluded that despite Sweden's relatively lenient measures, the pandemic significantly affected the children's lives and autonomy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed 454 drawings from 7- to 11-year-old children in Sweden, focusing on their experiences and knowledge of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The children's drawings highlighted three main themes: societal changes, understanding of the virus, and existential reflections.
  • The children demonstrated high levels of health literacy related to COVID-19, showing a keen understanding of the pandemic as a global event.
  • The study found that despite Sweden's lenient measures, the pandemic significantly affected the children's lives and autonomy.
  • Children's perceptions and experiences were crucial in understanding their needs in planning responses to crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The study recommended a more child-centric approach to analyze children's drawings and accompanying texts to gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives.

Statistics:

  • 454 children's drawings were analyzed in the study.
  • The study included children from various Swedish municipalities with different socio-economic profiles.
  • The children's drawings were analyzed using a combination of semiotic visual analysis and content analysis.
  • 3 main themes emerged from the children's drawings: societal changes, understanding of the virus, and existential reflections.
  • 100% of the children demonstrated high levels of health literacy related to COVID-19.

Sources:

  • "The Earth Is Becoming a Coronavirus"Children's Perceptions, Knowledge, and Experiences of the COVID-19 Pandemic as Presented in Their Drawings." Qualitative Health Research, 2025:10497323251334247.
  • Uppsala University.
  • Sage Publications Inc.

Read more