With schools closed and restrictions(限制)on public activities, it can be a difficult time for young people, who suddenly can't spend time with their friends and family in person.
However, the situation has already led to some creative ways of using technology to keep in touch with those people, from video calls and group chats (聊天)to online games. Experts say that young people might find the social restrictions on seeing their friends in real life stressful, which is why technology can be helpful.
"Keeping relationships is very important for health," says Dr Amanda Gummer, creator of Dr Gummer's Good Play Guide. She adds that this is more important the older you get. "Not maintaining these friendships can make it more difficult for you to get back into school when the time comes," she says. Chezy Kennedy, from a training program called Confident Kids, agrees. "Staying connected to those we care about is even more important now than ever before," she says. "We can suddenly feel quite lonely."
Messaging apps and video calls are good for checking in with friends, or organizing group chats to keep in. touch. "Video chats are a great way to keep connected with your wider friendship group," says Gummer.
Experts agree that there are plenty of ways to be creative with video chats besides talking to friends. Gummer suggests, "A virtual (虚拟的) film-and-pizza night can work well.
Sharna Jackson, an expert on young people and technology, has lots of ideas too. She suggests taking turns to teach friends something you're really good at- such as painting and drawing, perhaps. She also thinks that online games, includingFortnite and Minecraft, can play a really good role.
"It's good to play together. It's social, there's problem-solving and turn-taking, and it helps you develop different skills," she says.
