The COVID-19 Pandemic: The Experiences of Children Aged 11-14 Years in Turkey

Abstract

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, many countries imposed curfews, suspended classes, and switched to distance learning applications. In line with these developments, this study explored the daily life experiences, thoughts and feelings, support needs, and metaphors about staying home during this time of children aged 11-14 years in Turkey. The phenomenological method, one of the qualitative research designs, was used in the study. Categories and themes were formed from the data obtained through interviews with a total of 14 children, eight male and six female, from different cities in Turkey using an online application during April and May 2020. The themes formed from the children’s statements were “daily life experience during the Corona period”, “thoughts and feelings about staying home”, “support needs” and “metaphors about the pandemic process”. Children indicated academic and leisure activities for their daily life on Corona days. They indicated that they felt it was necessary to stay home, but feelings such as longing, anxiety, and fear were intense, and some of the children needed emotional, academic, and economic support. In assessing their metaphors, the categories of space, animal, property, and situation, and these metaphors the children emphasized staying at home involuntarily, protection from the illness, and sedentary life.