💔 Unsung Heroes of Covid: How Young Workers Were Forced to Keep Society Running 💔

When Covid hit in 2020, society faced an unprecedented crisis. Schools closed, offices went remote, and businesses shuttered. Yet one group of people was expected to show up every day, often with little protection, little pay, and enormous pressure: our youth. 🧒👩‍🦱👨‍🦱

⚠️ The Terrifying Reality for Young People

Young people were constantly warned: “If you go out, you could kill your parents or grandparents.” 😨 For teens and young adults working in essential roles — grocery stores, bagel shops, delivery services, and retail — this fear was real and unavoidable. They were on the front lines, exposed to Covid daily, while society largely insulated adults who could work from home.

My own child, just 17 at the time, had to navigate this impossible situation. They were asked to work long shifts, often without proper breaks, and in environments that were crowded and stressful. Managers pushed them past their limits, sometimes abusing their authority, while oversight and protections were minimal. 🥯💪

💸 Exploitation and Denied Support

These young workers were financially and emotionally vulnerable. Many:

• Were denied CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit) or faced clawbacks that left them in debt 💳💔
• Worked jobs that were low-paying but deemed “essential” for society’s survival 🛒
• Were forced to juggle education disruptions while keeping themselves and sometimes siblings afloat 📚

Statistics Canada reported that youth employment dropped more sharply than adult employment during Covid, yet youth were expected to fill essential roles that kept communities functioning. Many who had started working young had no safety net, and their families often had limited means to help. 📊

🏠 Housing Pressures and Living Challenges

For youth living independently, the challenges didn’t stop at work. Rent and living costs in cities like Vancouver skyrocketed. Many young adults struggled to find safe, affordable housing while still working demanding shifts. Some were exposed to unsafe conditions or predatory landlords. This compounded the mental health toll. 🏡💥

🧠 Mental Health Consequences

The psychological impact on youth during Covid has been profound:

• Increased anxiety and depression among 16–24-year-olds 😰
• Post-traumatic stress from overwork, abuse, and fear of infecting loved ones 💔
• Long-term impacts on education, career development, and social skills 🌱

Young people carried the dual burden of physical risk and moral responsibility, often with no guidance, no financial support, and minimal recognition. The system failed them in multiple ways. ❌

📣 Time to Remember and Act

These youth were not statistics. They are heroes who kept society running, often at the expense of their health, education, and mental well-being. They deserve recognition, support, and restitution. 💪✨

Governments, schools, and employers need to:

• Provide clear pathways to mental health support 🩺
• Offer financial restitution or educational opportunities 📚💰
• Recognize labor contributions and enforce fair employment practices 🏛️

In Part 2, we will dive deeper into the financial and emotional toll on youth during Covid: denied benefits, debt accumulation, and the lasting mental health impact. 💔

These young people are our unsung heroes — and it’s time society remembered their sacrifices. 🌟