University of Cambridge researchers are warning that adolescents, ages 10 to 24, are being harmed mentally by the lockdowns implemented by governments around the world.

The Daily Mail writes:

Adolescence – defined by the scientists as between 10 and 24 – is a vulnerable stage in the development of a person.

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On top of major hormonal changes and puberty, this is the point at which people want to spend more time with their friends than their family.

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It is also the period in their life when they are most likely to develop mental health problems.

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Earlier studies have suggested that high quality relationships with appear to protect people from mental health problems and strengthen their resilience.

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Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, from the department of psychology at the University of Cambridge and lead author of the opinion piece, said lockdown could hamper their brain development and have consequences for years to come.

READ: Lockdown is putting teenagers at risk of future mental health problems because their developing brains need face-to-face social interaction, experts warn

A similar warning was given by psychologists at the University of Bath who stated that the lockdowns are having a similar impact on children and called for re-opening elementary schools: READ: Loneliness From Months Of Lockdown May Have Lasting Impact On Children’s Mental Health

Meanwhile, seemingly oblivious to these mental health issues, the US Center for Disease Control warned that more lock downs may be necessary. READ: CDC says new lockdowns could be needed if coronavirus spikes, releases new guidelines for going out