COVID-19 resources for youth, students and young adults

How to prevent the spread of COVID-19, tips for taking care of your health, and information on online safety and financial support.

On this page

• Reduce the spread of COVID-19
• Physical distancing
• Stay healthy
• Taking care of your sexual health
• Vaping and COVID-19 risk
• Get financial help
• Be safe online
• For youth experiencing family violence
• For Indigenous youth
• Videos to share

Reduce the spread of COVID-19

Young Canadians play a critical role in reducing the spread of COVID-19.

Follow these health and safety measures to protect yourself, your friends, family and people at high risk of more severe disease or outcomes in your community.

• Stay home if you're sick or have any symptom of COVID-19, even if mild.
  • Use the COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool if you're unsure about your symptoms.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren't available.
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm.
  • Throw away used tissues in a lined garbage can and wash your hands right away
• Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose and eyes.
• Stick to your immediate household.
• Practise physical distancing by keeping a 2-metre distance from those outside your immediate household.
• Regularly clean and disinfect your frequently touched surfaces and objects.
• Stay at home as much as possible if at risk of more severe disease or outcomes from COVID-19.
• Wear a non-medical mask or face covering when:
  • physical distancing isn't possible or is unpredictable, whether indoors or outdoors, particularly in crowded settings
  • you're indoors with people that aren't in your small, consistent and trusted contact bubble
  • required by the business or local public health authority
• Avoid high-risk settings and activities.
• Reduce personal non-essential travel.
• Download COVID Alert, Canada's free exposure notification app.

Still have questions? Find answers in the COVID-19 youth interview series.

Physical distancing

You can have COVID-19 and spread it to others even if you aren’t showing any symptoms, like a cough, difficulty breathing or a fever. Physical distancing is proven to be one of the best ways to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

It's important to maintain physical distancing, stay away from closed or crowded places and gatherings. Be mindful of the risks that certain activities carry by making a personal risk assessment.

Follow your local public health guidance on the number of people that can gather in one place at one time.

Going out? Keep yourself and others safe.

Help promote public health measures in your community

Be part of a growing virtual community of video gamers who are doing their part to reduce infection.

Protect your friends and families by reminding others of the importance of public health practices through the #CrushCOVID campaign. You don't have to be a gamer to help us spread the message.

This campaign is a partnership between the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Entertainment Software Association of Canada.

Learn more about how you can help #CrushCOVID.

Stay healthy

It's okay not to be okay, especially when it feels like the world has been turned upside down. Many people are feeling lonely and isolated, and may be experiencing anxiety, grief, frustration, sadness and irritability. But there are things we can do to take care of ourselves and support each other through this difficult time. It's important to remember to take care of your mental and physical health by:

• taking breaks from social media and the news
• focusing on the good things and looking for positives in each day
• spending time doing things you enjoy, starting a hobby or learning a new skill
• asking for help and talking to a trusted adult

Stay connected with your friends and extended family through:

• texts
• email
• phone calls
• video chats
• social media platforms

You can also take care of your physical and mental health by keeping healthy habits and a regular routine, such as:

• eating well
• being active
• getting enough sleep

Taking care of your sexual health

Know the risks for COVID-19 transmission during sex, so you’re able to protect yourself and others.

Vaping and COVID-19 risk

New research is showing that vaping and cigarette smoking among young people may greatly increase their risk of getting COVID-19. The risk is 5 to 7 times higher.

Vaping can cause damage to the lungs. This means that coughing or difficulty breathing can worsen if you get the virus, as these are also symptoms of COVID-19.

If you vape, wash or sanitize your hands before and after using vaping devices. Don’t share devices with others.

Get financial help

Look into suspending your student/apprentice loan interest and repayments.

Be safe online

We've seen an increase in reports of harmful phishing campaigns and malware scams related to COVID-19. These tend to be emails or calls from people pretending to be from the government. They're attempting to steal your money or private information. Learn how to protect yourself against online scams.

Misinformation about COVID-19 can also be harmful. Check your sources before reading and sharing articles with others. Visit Check First, Share After to learn how you can stop the spread of COVID-19 misinformation.

For youth experiencing family violence

The COVID-19 outbreak has been linked with an increase in family violence across the country. Families are faced with increased stress and are spending more time at home due to teleworking, e-learning and physical distancing.

Everyone deserves to feel safe. If you're experiencing violence or abuse at home, contact your local police. There are also other services available to help keep you safe:

• ShelterSafe
• Family violence information
• Services in your area

For Indigenous youth

• COVID-19 and Indigenous communities: Learn how the Government of Canada supports First Nations and Inuit communities in preparing for, monitoring and responding to COVID-19.
• Hope for Wellness Helpline: Mental health counselling and crisis intervention for Indigenous peoples across Canada.
• Canadian Red Cross: COVID-19 resources for Indigenous youth.
• We Matter: Indigenous youth support.

Videos

Learn how you can help keep your family and community healthy and safe:

• Physical distancing: Stop the spread of COVID-19 in Indigenous communities
• Keep it clean: Stop the spread of COVID-19 in Indigenous communities

Videos to share

• Our actions matter
• Is going to a party really worth it?